Strong Defenses, No Goals in Slovakia
- Date: June 11, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM (local time)
- Place: Stadion na Sihoti, Trenčín, Slovakia
- Fans at the Stadium: 4,932
- Referee: Manfredas Lukjančukas (Lithuania)
Match Summary
Portugal U21 and France U21 played their first match in Group C of the UEFA Under-21 Euro 2025. Both Teams are big names In Youth football. The Game Ended 0–0, But It was full of Action. Both teams showed great Defense, Good Saves, And Smart Tactics.
History Between The Teams
These Two Teams have A long History of close Games:
- In 2006, France Beat Portugal 1–0 After Portugal scored an Own goal.
- In 2004, both teams won one game each, but France went through after penalties.
- In recent friendlies, each team won once, and one match was a draw.
So this match was expected to be very close and it was.
Starting Teams And Formations
Portugal U21 (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Samuel Soares
- Defenders: Pinheiro, Lamba, Muniz, Rodrigues
- Midfielders: Bernardo, Nascimento, Miguel Fernandes
- Forwards: Quenda, Rodrigo Fernandes, Tomás
- Subs: Gomes (60’), Forbs (60’), Sá (80’)
France U21 (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Guillaume Restes
- Defenders: Lukeba, Matsima, Merlin, Sildillia
- Midfielders: Lepenant, Doukouré
- Attackers: Odobert, Abline, Tel
- Striker: Barry
- Subs: Barry (62’), Tchaouna (77’), Magassa (88’) – Magassa came in after Doukouré was injured.
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Big Moments in the Match
Yellow Cards:
- Portugal:
- Nascimento (28’)
- Rodrigues (28’)
- France:
- Doukouré (58’)
- Diouf (82’) – for diving
Key Highlights:
- Lots of midfield battles and small injuries broke up the flow.
- Portugal’s goalkeeper, Soares, made 4 big saves—one was very close.
- France’s goalkeeper, Restes, saved a strong shot from Bernardo in the 73rd minute.
- France had only 10 players for a short time after Doukouré’s injury, before Magassa came on.
Tactics and Team Play
Great Defending
- Both teams played safe and smart at the back.
- Soares was probably the best player with 4 amazing saves.
- Restes also made 2 important saves to help France.
Early Yellow Cards Changed the Game
- Portugal got 2 yellow cards in the same minute, which slowed down their play.
- Diouf’s dive later showed how much pressure both teams were under.
Midfield Control
- France had more of the ball—52.9% of possession.
- Portugal played fast on the break and had more shots: 16 to France’s 13.
What This Means for Group C
Georgia won their game against Poland, so they are at the top of the group. Now, both Portugal and France must win their next matches if they want to move to the next round.
What’s Next In The Tournament
- Portugal U21’s next game: vs Georgia
- France U21’s next game: vs Poland
Watch out for young stars like Rodrigo Fernandes (Portugal), Zaïre-Emery (France), and Tel (France). They could shine in the next matches.
Final Thoughts
Even though the match had no goals, it was very exciting with strong defense and smart tactics. Now, both teams have big games coming up—and they need to win.