Portugal’s U-17 national football team is bracing for a “very combative” Mexico in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Round of 16, expressing strong confidence despite acknowledging their opponent’s prowess.
Goalkeeper Alexandre Tverdohlebov stated Sunday that Portugal expects a tough challenge from Mexico in their upcoming match. He emphasized the team’s determination to secure a victory.
“It’s a very combative team,” the 17-year-old goalkeeper said in statements released by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). “But we will have to counter their strengths with our quality, we will have to be a family on the field.”
Tverdohlebov underscored the team’s singular focus. “We know what we are going for, we are Portugal and we only have one result in mind: victory.” The Round of 16 clash is scheduled for Tuesday in Doha.
Portugal advanced to this stage after a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday. Forward Anísio Cabral scored both goals for Portugal in the 38th and 45+1 minutes.
Tverdohlebov, who was a substitute in that match, described it as “a very well-achieved victory.” He praised the team’s organization, defense, attack, and ability to capitalize on opponent errors.
Mexico, two-time U-17 World champions in 2005 and 2011, also secured their spot in the Round of 16 after defeating Argentina. They won 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regular time.
Portugal enters the World Cup following a successful campaign in June, where they clinched the U-17 European Championship. They defeated France 3-0 in the final held in Tirana.
Despite their recent European success, Tverdohlebov noted that past achievements only add to their sense of duty. “The fact that we were European champions is a fact of the past, knowing, yes, that it brings us responsibility, but what gives us more responsibility is this symbol we wear on our chest.”