Portugal announce squad change, Greece win friendly ahead of Malta U-19’s Euro

Portugal were forced to make one change to their U-19’s squad with Gondomar SC player Andre Neves replacing Mateus Fernandes of Sporting.

The Portuguese side have already started their preparation with 24 players taking part in the first part of the preparation camp in Penafield.

Four players will be dropped prior to their departure to Malta where they face Poland, Italy and the hosts in Group A of the U-19’s European Championships.

One of the players expected to be part of the final squad is Diogo Prioste of Benfica B, with whom he played 17 games this season.

He spoke to the national team’s official website highlighting Portugal’s target of becoming European champions.

“We play in every competition to win and the U-19’s European Championships are not an exception,” he said.

“We know that we are going to face great teams and the level will be difficult, but we are also upbeat about chances because we know what qualities we have in this squad.

Everyone who is here wants to make a difference. This is a united team that has grown a lot over the five years that we have been together.”

Meanwhile, Greece geared up their preparations with a 2-0 win over the second team of top-flight champions AEK Athens with goals by Zisis Tsikos and Giannis Goumas.

Speaking to the media, coach Anastasios Theos said that these training sessions are very important to help the team find the game rhythm again and work as a team in their technical and tactical plan.

Greece are in Group B alongside Spain, Norway and Iceland.