Portugal U21s book their place at Euro 2027 after 4-0 victory over Gibraltar | OneFootball

Portugal U21 squad celebrating qualifying for Euro 2027 after beating Gibraltar in the Azores (Photo: FPF)

Luís Freire’s first qualifying campaign in charge of Portugal’s U21 team has been a success, the team booking their place at next summer’s UEFA U21 European Championship in Serbia and Albania with a match to spare.

The Seleção beat Gibraltar 4-0 in São Miguel in the Azores to guarantee top spot in Group B ahead of their final match at home to the Czech Republic next Tuesday. Portugal have won 7, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their 9 qualifying games, scoring 33 goals and conceding just two.

Despite the surprise 2-1 defeat in Bulgaria on Friday, there was never any doubt Portugal would seal their automatic qualification spot against a fragile Gibraltar team.

The Seleção had won the away fixture against the islanders 11-0, so it was unsurprising Gibraltar packed their defence throughout the match in something akin to a 9-1-0 formation.

In front of an enthusiastic Azorean crowd, the hosts peppered goalkeeper Harry Victor’s goal from the off, but it needed something special to break the deadlock.

Mora wondergoal

Star man Rodrigo Mora produced an outrageous overhead kick from the edge of the box that sent the ball high into the air and dropping into the top right-hand corner of the net.

On the stroke of half time Portugal doubled their lead, Rodrigo Rêgo shooting home after a goalmouth scramble.

The home team continued to press for more goals in the second half, 16-year-old wonderkid Mezian Soares impressing on the right flank with his tricky feet and fast dribbling.

Although continuing to dominate, for a long time Portugal could not make it count, striker Rafael Nel culpable of some glaring misses, and the fans had to wait until the closing minutes for more goals.

Mateus Fernandes to the fore

In the 89th minute a Mateus Fernandes corner was met by a thumping header from Gonçalo Oliveira to make it 3-0.

There was still time for another goal, Mateus Fernandes again at its genesis with an audacious flicked pass into the path of Afonso Moreira, whose cross was turned into his own net by Javan Peacock.

Portugal will complete their qualifying schedule back on the mainland against in Leiria against the Czechs next week, but Freire will already be thinking about how to attack the tournament proper.

With the offensive talent of the quality of Mora, Geovany Quenda, Gonçalo Moreira and the exciting new addition Mezian Soares at his disposal, among others, Portugal will be vying for a maiden win in their 13th appearance at a European U21 Championship.