Andre Silva put in a man-of-the-match as Portugal defeated Hungary 6-1 in both teams’ second match of the 2014 UEFA U-19 European Championship. Silva scored 4, while Gelson Martins and Ivo Rodrigues scored one apiece. The performance was an impressive one from Portugal, especially considering the horrid conditions the match was played in, with the teams having to battle through torrential rain throughout the match. It was an impressive performance from the Portuguese (who struck the post multiple times) against a very determined Hungarian side. Let’s look more in-depth:

As is the style in modern football, national youth teams typically employ the same tactics as their senior counterparts. This meant that Portugal set up today in a 4-3-3 (as they also did against Israel). This 4-3-3 is a bit different from the full national team because of the mobility of the team’s star man, Marcos Lopes. Lopes is given the costlessdom to surge forward, and at times almost plays as a second striker to Andre Silva. Despite this, Lopes was seen many times tracking back to help the team defend, showing that he is tactically aware. The starting lineup was not much different to the way the team came out against Israel just three days ago. Andre Moreira was given the start in goal, while the back-four was unchanged in front of him. Mauro Riquicho, Joao Nunes, Domingos Duarte, and Rafa all started in defense. In midfield, Francisco Ramos replaced Raphael Guzzo, with Tomas Podstawski and Marcos Lopes alongside him. The forwards were unchanged as well, with Ivo Rodrigues and Gelson Martins on the wing and Andre Silva in the middle.

The game started brightly for the team, although the poor weather meant that the pitch quickly deteriorated. Despite being the better side, Hungary’s determination and tenacity meant that it took 32 minutes for Portugal to score. Ivo Rodrigues picked up the ball and ran into the box. A challenge from a Hungarian defender brought down Rodrigues, and the referee awarded a penalty. Rodrigues stepped up confidently, and gracefully struck the ball into the back of the net, giving Portugal a 1-0 lead. Portugal continued pressing, and were rightfully rewarded just before the stroke of halftime. Andre Silva released Ivo Rodrigues on the right, and the winger looked to not be able to get to the ball before the Hungarian defender marking him. His marker slid into the ball, presumably to clear the ball out of play, but instead overshot the ball due to the huge amount of water on the field, and Ivo Rodrigues was gifted with the ball. Rodrigues cut the ball back to the on-rushing Andre Silva, who calmly side-footed the ball into the net. And that goal meant that Portugal went into the locker room at halftime deservedly up 2-0.

Hungary came out in the second half with a much more attacking-minded game-plan, likely as an attempt to get back into the match, which had been largely dominated by Portugal in the first half. And their attacking intent worked well for them early in the second half, as the Hungarians looked the better team for the opening 15 minutes. But Portugal began to gain control over the game again, with Marcos Lopes, who had not had a great game until this point, beginning to find his stride. Just past the hour mark, Andre Silva missed a sitter. Good work from Gelson Martins put Silva through on goal. The striker rounded the keeper, and struck the ball into the post when it seemed easier to score. It was a howler, but Silva made quick amends. Just minutes later, Francisco Ramos aimed a peach of a cross into the far post where Silva was lurking. Silva deftly headed the ball into the bottom corner, and Portugal was up 3-0. With Portugal up 3-0 and dominating, few predicted Hungary could stage a comeback. But after they scored minutes later, there was the feeling that a comeback from Hungary could be made reality. That feeling was promptly quashed by Gelson Martins, who has been hugely impressive over these two games. Martins dribbled through one, then another, then another, then another, and then dinked the ball with his left foot past the Hungarian goalkeeper. It was a truly spectacular goal from a player who before this tournament was a virtual unknown. That goal visibly deflated Hungary, whose defense looked ill-equipped to handle Portugal’s attacking prowess. That very point was shown just before the end of the game. Substitute Raphael Guzzo attempted to dribble through the heart of the Hungarian defense, and was predictably stopped, but the rebound fell to an un-marked Andre Silva, who composed himself and slotted the ball home. It was the goal that completed his hattrick, and one that perfectly represents Silva’s playing style. He’s calm on the ball, has great awareness and positioning, and is capable of holding the ball up or even taking on defenders himself. In short, he’s the striker that Portugal has needed ever since the retirement of Pauleta in 2006. But Silva wasn’t done. Three goals was not enough for him. Minutes later in stoppage time, Rafa found himself costless on the left wing and aimed a cross into the box, which was met by Andre Silva. It was his fourth goal of the night and Portugal’s six. That proved to be the last event of note in the match, with the game ending 6-1 in favor of the Portuguese.

Now, Portugal faces Austria, who have also won their first two matches. Whoever wins that match will top the group, though both teams are guaranteed advancement to the next round. By winning their first two matches, Portugal has also managed to qualify for next summer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is to be held in New Zealand. The U-20 World Cup is a tournament that Portugal has found success in over recent years, finishing runners-up in 2011 and reaching the second round last summer.

Andre Moreira, Rafa, Domingos Duarte, Joao Nunes, Mauro Riquicho, Francisco Ramos(Joao Palhinha), Marcos Lopes(Raphael Guzzo), Tomas Podstawski, Gelson Martins(Jorge Intima), Ivo Rodrigues, Andre Silva

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