Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
In the second round of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship group stage, France’s and Portugal’s youth national teams are set to clash. The showdown will take place in Tirana on Thursday, 22 May, with kickoff scheduled for 20:30 Central European Time. I’m backing a bet on goals in this encounter.
Match preview
France is renowned at every level as one of world football’s powerhouses, and their U-17 squad is no exception as they began their European Championship campaign in Albania.
The team arrived at the tournament in superb form, as evidenced by their flawless run through qualifying. The French side powered through both qualifying phases, winning all six matches and coming in as one of the main contenders for the title.
In their opening match, France brushed aside Germany, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory. An early red card played its part, but by then Les Bleuets had already struck twice.
This French class already boasts a European title from 2022, when Désiré Doué and Mathys Tel starred. In the current squad, PSG youth team defensive leader David Boli and Auxerre’s first-team debutant Rudi Matondo are players to watch.
Portugal’s U-17s played in last year’s World Cup final, falling to Italy, and previously triumphed at the European level in 2003 and again in 2016 with Diogo Dalot in their ranks.
They stormed through the opening qualifying round, winning all three matches and racking up a staggering 19 goals. The next stage proved trickier, but Portugal managed to overcome Serbia, Hungary, and the Netherlands in succession.
In Tirana, Portugal already opened their group stage campaign with a statement win over hosts Albania, finishing 4-0. The Portuguese found the net just once in the first half, before sealing the deal with a late flurry.
The clash against France promises to be a battle for top spot in the group. Given the strength of both teams, it’s safe to say both are eyeing a place in the semifinals and a shot at the medals.
Match facts
- France are on a nine-match winning streak.
- Les Bleuets have scored at least three goals in each of their last five games.
- Portugal are unbeaten in their last five, all victories.
- Portugal have lost just once in their previous 15 matches.
- France U-17 average 4 goals per game, while Portugal U-17 average 2.8 goals per game.
Probable lineups
- France U-17: Jourdren, Boli, Diandaga, Mbemba, Batbeda, Hemar, Camara, Matondo, Azizi, Imber, Ngessan.
- Portugal U-17: Cunha, Ddouk, Neto, Furtado, Pereira, Quintas, Neves, Guedes, Mide, Aragao, Cabral.
H2H
- The teams have met four times in the past three years: two draws and one win apiece.
- Since 2010, Portugal have beaten France just once.
Prediction
Both sides have shown impressive scoring form, though the quality of opposition hasn’t always been top-notch. In a direct duel, I doubt either will play with such abandon, as the stakes are too high. Expect an intense battle across every inch of the pitch, and my recommendation is to back over 2.5 total goals.
