Resilient Austria subdue Portugal

By Andrew Haslam at Stade de la Vallée du Cher

Reigning champions Portugal made an underwhelming start to this year's UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals tournament as a solid and well-organised Austrian side earned a goalless draw in Tours this evening.

Hoffer chances
The result might have been even better for Paul Gludovatz's team had striker Erwin Hoffer – so prolific in qualifying – been able to convert one of three gilt-edged chances that came his way.

Portuguese backing
There was a noisy crowd in Tours, with a large Portuguese contingent providing vocal support whenever their team broke forward. Both sides began brightly, with Austrian captain Daniel Gramann unable to connect properly with a header from a fifth-minute corner.

Gomes goes close
Stung by this early threat, the holders responded immediately, with Rui Gomes cleverly working space for a shot from outside the penalty area which was deflected wide. The subsequent corner was swung into the penalty area, but João Pedro Silva disappointingly headed wide.  
 
Barbosa skill
Although Austria looked dangerous going forward, the greater early threat came from the Portuguese, who went close again when Hélder Barbosa – one of only two squad members who were part of the triumph a year ago – produced a fine piece of skill just outside the penalty area, but his shot was straight at goalkeeper Bartolomej Kuru.

Austrian rally
Austria kept the Portuguese at bay with some determined defending, and with the half drawing to a close, they twice threatened to take the lead. In the 36th minute, Hoffer gave a glimpse of his talent with a powerful angled shot that flashed into the side netting. Paul Bichelhuber then dribbled into the penalty area, forcing Ricardo Janota into action for the first time, the Portuguese goalkeeper tipping his shot over.

Hoffer too high
Hoffer missed a gilt-edge opportunity to open the scoring in the 55th minute when Cemil Tosun broke down the left and freed the striker, who cut inside towards goal brilliantly, only to shoot disappointingly over the bar.

Austria on top
Portugal again responded almost immediately, André Marques' powerful 30 metre free-kick forcing Kuru to palm over, but it was Austria who looked the more likely scorers. Hoffer collected possession and, with defenders backing off, he again shot too high. Minutes later, a corner found the striker in front of goal and his effort clipped the crossbar on its way over.

Late chances
Austria twice had opportunities to snatch victory in the closing stages. First, substitute Georg Lederer sent an overhead kick just wide. Then, four minutes from time, Bichelhuber again did well down the right and his cross was well met by Peter Hackmair, but his volley was straight at the goalkeeper. Nevertheless, Austria will be in confident mood as they prepare to face Ukraine on Thursday, while Portugal play England – 2-0 winners in the other game in Group B today – in a repeat of last year's semi-final.