Portuguese joy in Viseu

Back in May, Márcio Sousa scored twice as Portugal claimed the UEFA European Under-17 Championship thanks to a 2-1 victory against Iberian rivals Spain in Viseu.

Spectacular strikes
Spain were always in contention in an entertaining game, but in the end, a spectacular strike in either half from midfield player Sousa proved to be enough for the host nation, who were able to claim a famous victory.

Early opportunity
The match began brightly as both sides pushed forward in the early stages. Spain came the closest to taking an early lead as a corner fell kindly for Bergara, but he could only volley high and wide.

Volleyed opener
As the half wore on, Portugal came more into the match and almost took the lead, but Saleiro's header was well saved by Spanish goalkeeper Adán. However, in the 22nd minute it was 1-0 to Portugal, as Miguel Veloso's pass found Saleiro, who flicked the ball into the path of Sousa. The midfield player's emphatic left-foot volley into the far corner from the left-hand corner of the penalty area gave Adán no chance.

Free-kick chance
Spain were forced to adopt a more circumspect approach in the face of Portugal's effective counterattacking style, but almost drew level five minutes before half-time, as Silva's free-kick curled narrowly wide with Mário Felgueiras scrambling across his goal.

Crucial intervention
However, Portugal came even closer to extending their lead before the break, as Tiago Gomes sent João Pedro clear with a defence-splitting pass. Although the forward was able to lift his effort over Adán, Raúl Llorente was on hand to clear off the line.

Spain draw level
After that escape, Spain began the second period in much more positive fashion, with Cases skipping past three defenders before seeing his shot deflected wide. But from the resulting corner Spain were level, as Sisinio's cross picked out David and the striker made no mistake with a powerful downward header.

Instant response
Parity lasted less than five minutes, though, as Sousa cleverly curled a free-kick from the right-hand corner of the Spain penalty area over Adán and into the top corner of the net to restore Portugal's lead. Spain refused to let their heads drop, and David had a shot charged down on the edge of the area as they strove to find a second equaliser.

David denied
The striker came even closer to equalising in the 67th minute, as Ruz's square pass gave him a great chance, but his effort was well blocked by João Dias. When Spain threw more men forward, Portugal had chances to seal the victory, as first Gama lifted a shot over Adán which drifted wide and then Saleiro's powerful low shot was blocked by the legs of the Spain goalkeeper.

Last chance
Spain pressed forward in the closing stages, and had a golden chance to equalise and take the match into extra time in the final minute as Jurado's free-kick picked out Arzo unmarked less than five metres from goal, but the defender could only head wide and Portugal held on for a memorable triumph.