The Portuguese Under-21 squad is gearing up for a crucial Euro 2027 qualifier against Gibraltar, but it’s not just the opponent that has midfielder Diego Rodrigues thinking. The young talent from Sporting de Braga highlighted the artificial pitch at Europa Point Stadium as a significant challenge. He suggested on Sunday that this unfamiliar playing surface will make the upcoming match a “complicated” affair for a team more accustomed to natural grass.
“We don’t usually play on this kind of ground anymore,” Rodrigues noted after the team’s final training session in Lagos. Despite the surface, he voiced strong belief in his teammates. “If we stick to our game plan, I’m confident we’ll come away with a positive result,” the 20-year-old added, showing quiet determination.
Portugal arrives with momentum, fresh off a solid 3-0 victory against Bulgaria last Friday. This win marked their third triumph in three matches, placing them at the top of Group B. They share nine points with the Czech Republic but hold a superior goal difference of 10-0 compared to their rivals’ 9-1. This impressive start shows the team’s attacking strength and defensive solidity.
Looking ahead to the Gibraltar match, Rodrigues expects a cautious approach from their opponents. “Gibraltar will surely set up defensively, looking to hit us on the counter-attack,” he predicted. To break through, the Portuguese players will need “patience” to “dismantle their deep block and find the back of the net.”
Rodrigues also spoke about the excellent atmosphere within the squad. He believes this strong bond points to a promising future for this group of players. “We’re building great team chemistry,” he explained. “The vibe is getting better every day, and everyone is gelling well. If we keep this up, our future looks really bright.”
For Rodrigues himself, club experience is proving invaluable. He has played nine matches and scored one goal for Sporting de Braga across all competitions this season. He feels this high-level exposure, including the I Liga and Europa League, prepares him well for the demands of Under-21 international football. “Playing in more competitive settings really helps,” he said. “It makes me more ready for these U21 games.” He feels in good form and hopes to continue playing. “I want to show coach LuÃs Freire he can rely on me. I want to stand out for the U21s and get as many minutes as possible.”
The team’s journey to Gibraltar began early Monday afternoon. They departed Lagos, in the Algarve region, for a five-hour bus ride to the British overseas territory located south of Spain. Gibraltar, currently without any points, has scored just one goal while conceding seventeen in their campaign. They will host Portugal on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at Europa Point Stadium.
The path to the Euro 2027 finals, which will be co-organized by Albania and Serbia, is clear: the nine group winners and the best runner-up will earn direct qualification. The remaining eight second-placed teams will then move on to a playoff round for the remaining spots.