Portugal’s U-17 national team is preparing for a challenging encounter against a “very aggressive” Mexican side in the World Cup round of 16, a match defender Ricardo Neto anticipates will be highly competitive.
Neto, speaking Saturday in statements released by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), said the team expects “a competitive game, a very aggressive game from Mexico.” He added that Mexico “is a team that likes to have the ball, that is very aggressive in duels, and we are ready for it.”
The tournament is currently underway in Doha. Mexico previously secured U-17 World Cup titles in 2005 and 2011.
Portugal advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Belgium 2-1 on Friday. Forward Anísio Cabral scored both goals for Portugal in the 38th and 45+1 minutes.
Neto, a 17-year-old central defender, noted that the victory over Belgium, despite its narrow margin, provided “more confidence” for the squad. He believes it also “shows other teams we are ready to win.”
He expressed “pride” in being selected by coach Bino Maçães to represent Portugal on the international stage.
Mexico secured their spot in the next round by overcoming Argentina 5-4 in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in regular time.