Portugal show poise to qualify

Portugal reached the finals of the UEFA U-17 European Championship finals, after defeating Israel for 3-0 in their final qualifying game.

Title holders
Carlos Dinis' side earned their berth in this summer's tournament by virtue of their victory and Wales' 2-1 defeat against Greece, and will therefore defend the title they won last year on home soil.

First-half lead
Portugal were in control from the kick-off against Israel at the Campo Vila Amália in Sesimbra and led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Hélder Barbosa's from Bruno Gama's corner midway through the first period.

Decisive strikes
The home side extended their lead early in the second half, with Fausto Lourenço capping a mazy run with a cross-shot inside the far post. Four minutes later, João Pinhal scored a spectacular solo strike, shooting past goalkeeper Ron Shviro.

'Deserved qualification'
The result left Dinis well satisfied. "We had to suffer until the end, which was partly our own fault, but our qualification was well deserved," said the Portugal coach. "We lost only one of out final 12 qualifiers, against Wales, although that defeat could have jeopardised our campaign. I suffered more after the final whistle waiting for the score from the other match."

'Semi-finals in our sights'
Having seen his side secure qualification, the coach has set his sights high, saying: "With qualification already decided, we now set our sights in the semi-finals. The core players that played this campaign will be in the finals, unless something completely unexpected happens."