Portugal beat Netherlands 3-1 to take another step towards the 2025 European U17 Championship | OneFootball

Portugal took a big step towards securing a spot in the 2025 European U17 Championship after beating Netherlands 3-1 in Vizela.

All three goals were scored in a seven-minute spell shortly before half-time, Anísio Cabral first to fire home before Mauro Furtado found the net after going on a long run from central defence.

Bernardo Lima squeezed a shot past Nick Dobben as Portugal controlled the rest of the contest, Kelvin Neijenhuis scoring a late consolation in the 86th minute.

Portugal remain two points clear of Serbia in Group 4, both teams meeting in the final qualifier in Barcelos on Tuesday.

Portugal 3-1 Netherlands

Mateus Mide hit the post early on, the ball scrambled off the line by Nick Dobben. Bernardo Lima saw his goal ruled out for offside as Portugal dominated proceedings in Vizela.

The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when Duarte Cunha did well to keep Mauro Furtado’s deep cross in play. Lima missed the ball but it sat up perfectly for Anísio Cabral who found the net.

Lima fired an effort wide before Portugal extended their lead in the 41st minute. Furtado went on a long run forward, played 1-2’s with Francisco Fernandes and Cabral and slotting the ball past Dobben.

The contest was as good as over two minutes later when Cabral rattled the bar, the ball remaining in play for Lima who squeezed his shot past Dobben.

The second half was stress free with Bino Maçaes bringing Yoan Pereira, João Aragão, Afonso Semedo, Gil Neves and Santiago Verdi off the bench.

Aragão tested Dobben in the 63rd minute but the chances dried up, the Dutch side scoring a late consolation from Sean Steur’s corner. Ruud Nijstad’s header was saved by Romário Cunha, Kelvin Neijenhuis well placed to convert from close range.

The victory sees Bino Maçaes’ side consolidate top spot in Group 4 after defeating Hungary 2-0 in Braga. They sit two points clear of Serbia, their opponents in Barcelos on Tuesday with a win or draw enough to qualify for the 2025 UEFA European U17 Championship in Albania.