Portugal go one better in new-look Under-17 EURO in Albania

The UEFA European Under-17 Championship had a new format for 2024/25, coinciding with the expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup into an annual 48-team event.

After a decade of 16-team final tournaments since 2014/15, the U17 EURO reverted to being an eight-nation showpiece. Qualifying was totally revamped, including a two-tier round 2, and decided not only who reached Albania, but also Europe's 11 World Cup contenders and the leagues for 2026/27 U19 EURO qualifying. The teams that emerged and travelled to Albania put on a great show, with Portugal claiming the title after a magnificent final display against France.

Albania themselves were staging their first UEFA national-team tournament – and making their U17 finals debut – but would suffer three defeats in a group containing former champions Portugal, Germany and France. Having beaten Germany 3-0 on Matchday 1, France then drew with Portugal 0-0 and overcame Albania 4-0 to end top. Germany had to beat Portugal on Matchday 3 and took the lead on 72 minutes, only to lose 2-1 in a late turnaround.

Holders Italy clinched Group B with wins against Czechia, England and Belgium, and it proved an exciting section with 24 goals across the six games. Going into Matchday 3, Belgium were on four points and England one (having drawn with the Red Devils and lost to Italy) while Czechia were yet to get off the mark.

Belgium looked on course for progress as they led Italy, but succumbed 2-1 to two Samuele Inacio goals in the last half-hour; Inacio would be the finals' top scorer on five goals. That seemed to play into England hands as they led Czechia by four at half-time, and were also 4-1 up when Belgium fell 2-1 behind. That meant England were going through on goals scored, until Czechia pulled it back to 4-2 in the 89th minute, and so Belgium advanced on goal difference after a nervous wait for the final whistle in the other match.

Belgium eventually lost their semi-final 3-2 to France, while Italy were in front twice against Portugal in the rematch of the 2024 final only for it to finish 2-2. That prompted penalties, which went to sudden death before Portugal dethroned Italy 4-3 in the shoot-out.

Portugal had gone into the 2024 final as slight favourites, yet lost 3-0 to Italy who scored twice before half-time. This time Portugal won 3-0 as Anísio Cabral and Duarte Cunha struck in the first half and Gil Neves completed the victory on the hour. Midfielder Rafael Quintas was named Player of the Tournament while the 10,243 crowd for the final meant an average attendance of more than 4,000, second only to Germany 2009.