Unbeaten Portugal progress in style

Portugal deservedly took their place in the finals of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship after beating group hosts Scotland 4-2 at McDiarmid Park to win Elite round Group 4 with an unbeaten record.

Clinical finishing
Portugal showed they could be efficient as well as flamboyant in a first half which ended with them two goals ahead despite having less possession than their hosts, making the most of their chances in that opening period with some clinical finishing. Fábio Coentrão gave them the lead on 30 minutes, running on to a through-ball before finishing. Coentrão had been the most impressive player on display in the early stages but strike partner Rui Pedro scored the second on the stroke of half-time, following up after Scotland goalkeeper Alan Martin had done well to parry André Castro's shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Late drama
Scotland made changes at the break and took the game to Portugal in the second half, but it was not until ten minutes from time that they pulled a goal back, central defender Alex Pearce scoring his third of the mini-tournament with a header. Portugal restored their two-goal advantage instantly, Rui Pedro doing brilliantly down the left before cutting the ball back for substitute Ivan Santos to score from close range. Scotland replied through Darren Smith as the game entered added time, but there was still time for Daniel Candeias to complete the scoring with a delightful chip into the top of the net to spark wild scenes of celebration from the Portugal team and bench.