Rui Jorge announces squad of 25 for Euro 2017

The national under-21 coach, Rui Jorge, has named a squad of 25 for the coming under-21 Euro 2017 tournament, including five Alvalade youngsters.

Ruben Semedo, Robias Figueiredo, Francisco Geraldes, Daniel Podence and Iuri Medeiros are the five, with Sporting CP and FC Porto both contributing the most players.

Portugal is in Group B and will face Serbia (17th of June), Spain (20th of June) and Macedonia (23rd of June).

Wealth of Alvalade faces feature in under-21 Euro 2017 qualifier win

The national under-21 team beat Norway 3-1 in a Euro 2017 qualifier this week, with Alvalade's Rúben Semedo finding the back of the net with a 59th minute header.

Also in action were Sporting CP's Iuri Medeiros (on loan to Boavista), Daniel Podence and Carlos Mané (on loan to Stuttgart), while Domingos Duarte (on loan to Belenenses) and Tobias Figueiredo (on loan to Nacional) were introduced off the bench.

Daniel Podence sits down with A Bola to speak about his return to Alvalade

Daniel Podence has been making quite the name for himself, but the skillful forward isn't about to relax just yet. Speaking in an interview with the A Bola newspaper, the youngster affirmed his drive to improve and earn his place amongst football's top names.

"Quality has nothing to do with needing to put more or less work in. I always do my best and it isn't because some of my teammates are worth 20 million euros that we will perform differently. I work because that is what we have to do and not because we have to be better than someone else", opened Podence.

For the youngster the League Cup win while on loan with Moreirense was memorable, but his focus is now on Alvalade: "I was really happy to win the League Cup, but also because I am back at Sporting CP. It is always nice to hear the coach say he believes in you and if the coach believes in me then all I have to do is my best."

Podence finished with a comment on Bas Dost and his chase for the European Golden Boot: "Bas Dost encourages us and never has anything negative to say. He has helped me a lot."

Rúben Semedo, Francisco Geraldes and Daniel Podence joined by several players currently on loan

The national under-21 team will face Norway (24th of March at 18h15, in Estádio António Coimbra da Mota, Estoril) and Germany (28th of May at 18h00, in Stuttgart) in preparation for the 2017 European Championships. 

Podence inspires Sporting CP to a hard fought comeback

It was in the 64th minute that Jorge Jesus took a gamble that triggered his side's fight back in Moreirense, when the Alvalade boss introduced Daniel Podence to the action. Although standing just 1.65m tall, this kid is packed with quality and the Moreirense defence could do little but chase the Sporting Academy graduate's shadow. On for Bryan Ruiz, Podence, who curiously made a name for himself on loan at Moreirense, picked up possesion from William Carvalho and skilled his way past three defenders, before hammering a shot against the post. His effort was not in vain, as the shot bounced back out into the path of Bas Dost for the finish.

The visiting fans erupted, as yet another Sporting Academy starlet lit the evening on fire. The goal really did lift Sporting CP, who had been trailing through an own goal from Bruno César and a touch of hesitation from Rui Patrício that gave away a penalty. It was Alan Ruiz who struck first for the team from Alvalade, grabbing his second Liga NOS of the season.

Of course Bas Dost had to get his name on the scoreboard, with the Dutchman now having tallied 17 times in 18 outings. The equaliser completely took the life out of Moreirense and give minutes later Schelotto linked up with Gelson Martins down the right and drove in a cross for Adrien Silva to complete the comeback.

Inácio's side did come close just a few minutes later to pulling the game level once again, but Patrício managed to tip Dramé's effort n the cross bar.

Next up will be Rio Ave on Saturday the 18th of February, in a 20h30 kick-of in Alvalade.

Alvalade trio ready for action after return from loan spells

Francisco Geraldes, João Palhinha and Daniel Podence all spoke with Sporting TV this weekend, looking ahead to the weekend's visit to Moreirense after spending spells out on loan.

Geraldes and Podence made their return to the Portuguese capital in January, after six months with with weekend's opposition. "Moreirense have a good team and you can see that from the fact that they won the League Cup. I can give the lads some tips on what to do because I was there, but the most important thing is how they paly as a team", affirmed the midfielder, backed up by the winger: "I am sure it will be a hard match. I know the Moreirense team well and they are a quality side. We will have to give it everything. We can't start thinking it will be easy, because a shirt doesn't win games."

João Palhinha was also in the service of Moreirense last season and is looking for Sporting CP to get back to winning form this weekend: "In the dressing room we all know it won't be easy. We will have to improve one some things from how we played against FC Porto, but we have been working hard during the week and I am sure we will respond well."

Daniel Podence, Francisco Geraldes and Ary Papel

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Moreirense for the return of Daniel Podence and Francisco Geraldes and the loan of the player Ary Papel for the current sports season.

Sporting SAD wishes Daniel Podence, Francisco Geraldes and Ary Papel the best of professional and personal success.

Podence on target and Rúben Semedo, Tobias Figueiredo and Francisco Geraldes handed starts against Hungary

Portugal drew 3-3 against Hungary in Thursday afternoon, on the second to last encounter of the under-21 Euro 2017 qualifiers.

Sporting's central defensive pair of Rúben Semedo and Tobias Figueiredo started at the back, while Francisco Geraldes and Daniel Podence, the latter also finding the back of the net, featured further up the park.

Agreement with Moreirense for the loan of Daniel Podence

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD has reached an agreement with Moreirense Futebol Clube – Futebol, SAD for the loan of Daniel Podence until the end of the 2016/17 season, with no option for a permanent transfer.

Sporting SAD wishes Daniel Podence the best of personal and professional success.

Jorge Jesus leads group of 26 as Téo Gutiérrez, Carlos Mané and Ricardo Esgaio travel for Olympic duty

More than one hundred eager fans turned out for Sunday's open training session, making the most of a rare chance to see their favourite stars up close. The day started with a lecture led by Jorge Jesus in the middle of the pitch, followed by some light exercises to help the players recover what has been a busy pre-season schedule in Switzerland.

Jesus was of course without Téo Gutiérrez, Carlos Mané and Ricardo Esgaio, who left Lausanne early to join their respective Olympic squad.

With Spalvis recovering from an ankle twist and Paulo Oliveira in specialised training, the Sporting coach has a total of 26 players available for the session, in preparation of Sunday's clash with the Dutch side PSV Eindhoven (19h30GMT).

Speaking at the end of the workout, Daniel Podence reflected on what has been a promising pre-season campaign for him personally: "This has been really positive. We have lost a couple of matches, but we are creating a good dynamic. Of course nobody likes to lose, but we are all focused on taking on board what the coach wants from us and we are getting to know each other. We haven't been playing against just anyone and all of the teams we have faced are Champions League quality."