Portugal U21s beat Scotland 2-0 in Motherwell | OneFootball

It almost went unnoticed given the senior Seleção were playing at the same time, but Portugal U21s beat Scotland 2-0 away this evening to continue their perfect start to Euro 2027 qualification.

It was the usual suspects doing the business at the Fir Park Stadium, in Motherwell, with Geovany Quenda swinging over a delightful cross for Rodrigo Mora to head in midway through the first half.

Portugal doubled their lead in the 55th minute. Quenda and Mora were involved again, the latter providing the assist for Roger Fernandes to fire into the net.

Not even the sending off of Portugal captain Mateus Fernandes in the 72nd minute put the result in doubt as the Seleção made it two wins out of two, 7 goals scored and none conceded to go top of the group. (Portugal 5-0 Azerbaijan: U21s off to a flyer under new coach Luís Freire)

Portugal coach, Luís Freire:

“We started well. Up to the goal we were good with and without the ball. We didn’t always create danger but we were well set.

“Sometimes Scotland forced us to retreat and fight for second balls and they had a good chance. But we always tried to take the initiative.

“After not ending the first half well, we came out very strong again in the second half. The pressure we put on them leading to our second goal was excellent and we controlled the game until the sending off.

“The sending off? Mateus played the ball too far forward, got there late. It is what it is, but the team reacted well and we fully deserved the victory.

“It’s a pleasure to work with these lads. Congratulations to the clubs for giving these youngsters their chance. The players deserve all the credit; they’re the ones who are fighting out there on the pitch.”

(Photos: Hernâni Pereira/FPF ©)

Portugal: João Carvalho, Diogo Travassos (José Sampaio, 90’+1), Tiago Gabriel, Gonçalo Oliveira, Tiago Parente, Diego Rodrigues (Gustavo Sá, 64’), Mateus Fernandes - Cap., Geovany Quenda, Roger Fernandes (Carlos Forbs, 90+1’), Rodrigo Mora (Mathias de Amorim, 74’), Gustavo Varela (Vivaldo Semedo, 74’)