Portugal inflicted Germany’s first defeat in the Round 2 of the 2027 U19 Euros qualification stage.
| Maik Akumu | Mohamed Farag/Getty Images for DFB |
Germany relied on late goals to beat Sweden in their opening Round 2 qualifying game, but they found the net inside the first twenty minutes against the group hosts Portugal. Maik Akumu got them in front with a composed finish after Lasse Eickel’s second assist in as many matches.
Hanno Balistch was forced to make an early change with an injury to the captain Ebu Bekir İş. A couple of minutes later, Elias Fard conceded a penalty-kick after a foul on Jose Neto. However, Germany’s goalkeeper Nico Biedermann made a superb save to deny Portugal’s captain Rafael Quintas from 12 yards.
The Hoffenheim II shot-stopper was beaten by Duarte Cunha before the half-time whistle as Portugal deservedly tied the score with a well-worked move. Germany regained their lead inside the first five minutes of the second-half, with Jasper Reinhold’s maiden goal at this level.
The joy didn’t last long for the Hannover midfielder as he conceded a penalty-kick ten minutes from time for a challenge on the all-rounder Quintas. The number 6 handed the responsibility to Tomas Soares this time around as the substitute smashed it home to put Portugal level again.
There were more cheers at Estadio Carlos Osorio in the 88th minute as Portugal took all three points thanks to a brilliant direct free-kick strike from Quintas. Sweden beat Lithuania 4-1 in the other game from the group.
As a result, both Portugal and Sweden are already qualified from the group to the Elite League. Germany only need a draw against Lithuania on Tuesday to join them in the final qualification round for the European championship.
Meanwhile, Germany U18 beat their Türkiye counterparts 2-0 away from home on Saturday. Christian Wörns’ side will play against the same opponent on Tuesday at the same venue, Emirhan Sport Center. Borussia Dortmund’s Fadi Zarqelain and Hoffenheim’s Nevio Zumpano scored the goals in the first of the two friendlies between the sides.
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