Over the past 34 years, Portugal have produced some of world football’s greatest talents. None, however, managed to achieve what this generation of Mateus Mide, Anisio Cabral, Mauro Furtado and Co just have in Qatar, becoming FIFA U-17 World Cup™ champions.
Since their back-to-back FIFA U-20 World Cup™ triumphs in 1989 and 1991, Portugal have been waiting for the moment they would once again climb to the top step of a global football podium.
That wait ended on Thursday. The Portuguese, who became U-17 European champions earlier this year, captured the U-17 World Cup crown with a hard-fought 1-0 final victory over Austria at Khalifa International Stadium
“It’s a dream year,” said goalkeeper Romario Cunha, winner of the adidas Golden Glove. “Before the final, I received a message saying it would be one of the happiest days of my life, and I don’t think, not even in our wildest dreams, that we imagined we would win the World Cup. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
The dream started to become reality back in May of this year in Albania. The team, expertly coached by Bino, won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship with most of the squad that would later go on to become world champions. That title secured Portugal’s return to the U-17 World Cup for the first time in 22 years, and it also prepared the group for their unprecedented achievement in Qatar.
“My heart, it’s just full of joy” proclaimed Mateus Mide, winner of the adidas Golden Ball. “I don’t know how to express what I feel, or what my parents feel. For now, it is just going to be the best year of my life.”
As delighted as they were with the victory, Portugal’s youngsters never lost sight of the magnitude of what they had done. Not only had they never won this tournament before, but they also became the first Portuguese national team to win two major trophies in the same year.
“It’s the best year of my life,” commented central defender Chelmik. “I won the Euros, and now the World Cup. Two dreams have come true in one year, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself, my team, my family, and everyone who helped us along the way.”
Coach Bino, meanwhile, was part of the Portugal side that reached the semi-finals of the tournament back in 1989 (when it was called the FIFA U-16 World Championship). He had therefore waiting more than three decades to experience a moment like this.
“It will be years before something like this happens again, because it’s not easy,” said Bino. “With so many matches, so many teams, it’s a historic achievement for this generation, and that’s why I’m so proud to be their coach.
“I’m so thrilled with the boys’ performance, proud of the journey they’ve had. Reaching the final, with all the tiredness in their legs, we played so well against such a tough side. Huge credit to Austria too, who made it very difficult for us.”
These world champions have a bright future ahead of them, but they know that what they’ve just done in Qatar will forever be part of Portugal’s history.
It may feel like a dream, but it’s a reality built on the talent and determination of 21 young players.
“It’s an unforgettable year,” said midfielder Bernardo Lima. “The feeling of lifting another trophy was unbelievable, but I think this one is just a little bit more special because we conquered the world, and we have taken Portugal to the very top. That’s what we wanted to do – and we have done it.”
