U21s in action tonight in crucial Euro qualifier, while the U20s and U19s also preparing for matches
Portugal may have already played yesterday after an intriguing battle with World Cup finalists Croatia, a clash which ultimately ended 1-1, but the action does not end for Seleção fans.
In fact, there are two more matches today for supporters of the national team to look forward to - the first is a battle at U19 level, kicking off at 16:00 local time, where Portugal take on a highly talented Italy side in an international friendly, while the big match of the day is found at 19:15, where Portugal U21s take on Romania in a crucial Euro qualifier.
Portugal U21s currently sit second in their group, two points of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a game in hand. Romania, meanwhile, sit 3rd, just a point behind Portugal. A defeat today would therefore be disastrous in Portugal's bid to make the European Championship next year, while a win would see them jump up to first and take the one and only automatic qualifying spot.
Portugal's European Championship future is therefore very much in the balance, but also remains in Portugal's hands.
Portugal certainly have nothing to fear though, with an exceptionally talented squad at their disposal. U19 European champion Joao Filipe, for example, has skipped an age category after his stunning performance in leading Portugal to the U19 European trophy for the first time in Portugal's history and is included in the U21 squad, in addition to his Benfica teammate Joao Felix, who himself is only 18-years old and has bypassed several youth categories to join the U21s.
Porto's impressive young centreback Diogo Leite, who has performed admirably this season for the reigning Primeira Liga champions, is also included, and young Braga star Xadas is also, unsurprisingly, also included. Portugal's embarrassment of riches is further emphasised by the inclusion of Wolves' Diogo Jota and Nottingham Forest's attacking trio of Joao Carvalho, Gil Dias and Diogo Goncalves.
Full U21 squad: Joel Pereira, Joao Virginia; Fernando Fonseca, Yuri Ribeiro, Ferro, Ivanlido Fernandes, Jorge Fernandes, Pedro Amaral, Diogo Leite; Joao Carvalho, Pepe, Bruno Paz, Xadas, Andre Horta, Joao Felix, Stephen Eustaquio, Pereira Lage; Joao Filipe, Diogo Jota, Diogo Goncalves, Gil Dias, Heriberto Tavares, Bruno Costa.
Portugal U21s then play again in the Euro qualifiers next Tuesday at 18:00, where they face a trip to Wales, who they beat 2-0 in the reverse fixture.
Portugal U20s, meanwhile, also play on 11th September, when they face Czech Republic in a friendly match having played Netherlands yesterday in a clash they drew 0-0. The U20s is also looking very strong, with the likes of Ruben Vinagre, Florentino Luis, Domingos Quina and Francisco Trincao all from the U19 squad that won the Euros last month included.
Full U20 squad: Luis Maximiano, Ricardo Benjamim, Ricardo Silva; David Carmo, Luis Silva, Romain Correia, Ruben Vinagre, Thierry Correia, Francisco Moura, Joao Oliveira; Florentino Luis, Miguel Luis, Domingos Quina, Nuno Henrique, Diogo Teixeira, Filipe Soares, Nuno Santos; Jose Gomes, Pedro Neto, Mesaque Dju, Pedro Correia, Trincao, Elves Balde.
Full U19 squad: Celton Biai, Tiago Silva; Tomas Tavares, Joao Costa, Nuno Tavares, Pedro Alvaro, Goncalo Loureiro, Tiago Djalo; Daniel Silva, Diogo Capitao, Bernardo Sousa, Andre Almeida, Afonso Sousa, Romario Baro; Umaro Embalo, Rodrigo Conceicao, Luis Lopes, Tiago Rodrigues, Rafaeal Camacho, Joao Mario.
