Under-21: Portugal 2-0 Czechia (Match report)

The result of this match counted for nothing. Portugal were firmly locked into first place in Group B of the Under-21 European Championship qualifiers, and Czechia were secured in second position. Even so, the young Portuguese side took the game seriously, despite already holding their ticket to the Euros in hand.

Perhaps that was because the national team manager—the much-hyped Jorge Jesus—was watching from the stands of the floodlit Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. Following a Nations League campaign that was immaculate in its results but overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden departure, Jesus witnessed the sheer talent of this side of "hopefuls".

That term barely even applies anymore to the calibre of these players. Rodrigo Mora has already commanded 50 million; Quenda another 50 and Afonso Moreira 30 million. Mateus, who did not even play, bordered on 100 million. In this squad, there are names who could very well feature in Jesus's squad announcement for November, seeking a new status—that of the senior national team.

RELIVE THE MATCH ACTION HERE.

Portugal's 2-0 victory came naturally. They were dynamic going forward, producing moves of genuine artistic flair on regular occasions, and remarkably effective in their counter-pressing whenever they lost the ball. A complete performance from Luís Freire's side.