Tiago Fernandes includes 18 for Youth League matchday 1

Sporting's under-19 side will face their Real Madrid counter parts in the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium this Wednesday at 17h00, in the UEFA Youth League.

Coach Tiago Fernandes has travelled with a total of 18 players.

Squad list in full:

1 - Abdu Conté
2 - André Franco
3 - Bruno Paz
4 - Bubacar Djaló
5 - Daniel Bragança
6 - Elves Baldé
7 - Filipe Semedo
8 - Gonçalo Vieira
9 - Jefferson Encada
10 - João Oliveira
11 - João Ricciulli
22 - Miguel Luís 
13 - Nuno Moreira
14 - Pedro Ferreira
15 - Pedro Marques 
16 - Pedro Silva
17 - Rafael Leão
18 - Thierry Correia 

Alvalade you team being South African adventure to a close with 3rd place finish

The adventure in South Africa for Tiago Fernandes' side finally came to an end this weekend, with Sporting's under-19 team finishing 3rd in the DURBAN U19 tournament after a 3-0 loss in the semi-finals to the local side and a 3rd/4th place play-off win against KZN Academy (5-1).

Tiago Fernandes reflects on DURBAN U19 showing

Sporting have made an absolutely epic trop to South Africa for the DURBAN U19 tournament this week, in what was at times a logistical nightmare.

Despite some less positive results, the Alvalade youngsters did themselves proud after just 10 days of pre-season training.

“The first match against was against Golden Arrows, who were really good physically. Even after an 18-hour trip I thought we played well", said coach Tiago Fernandes commenting on the tournament, adding: "We had more opportunities against Arsenal, but they scored when they could. We will still go into the next round if we win and if someone wins between Arsenal and Golden Arrows. I am happy with the spirit that the lads have shown."

Alvalade youngsters open with a draw and a loss

Sporting's under-19 team are taking part in the DURBAN U19 this week in South Africa.

After being held to a draw by Golden Arrows on the 27th of July, Sporting missed out 1-0 to Arsenal on the 30th of July. The third and final match of the group will be against KZN Academy.

South African city to host international under-19 tournament

The South African city of Durban will host the DURBAN U19 international football tournament from the 27th to the 7th of August, with teams including Arsenal, Rangers and Sporting in action.

Sporting will initially face Golden Arrows, Arsenal and KZN Academy and could go on to face TP Mazembe, Fluminense, SA U19 or Rangers should the Alvalade youngsters progress to the next round.  

DURBAN U19 fixtures:
 

Golden Arrows x Sporting CP – 27th of July at 16h;

Arsenal x Sporting CP – 30th of July at 16h30;

KZN Academy x Sporting CP – 1st of August at 16h30.

Draw with Russia leaves Portugal needing a win

The national under-19 team were held by Russia this weekend, on matchday two of Euro Elite Round Group 6.

With Alvalade stars Com Pedro Silva and Pedro Empis in Emílio Peixe's starting line-up, Portugal were actually leading 1-0 at the break, courtesy of a goal form Pedro Delgado (41’). However, the Russians managed to split the points with a last minute strike from Obolski.

The result means that Portugal must win on Tuesday if they are to move on in to the European Championship Finals.

Portugal open Euro qualifiers with dominating display

The national under-19 team opened their Euro Elite Round campaign off to a convincing start this week with a 4-0 win against Sweden in Vila do Conde.

With Alvalade stars Pedro Silva and Pedro Empis in the starting line-up, Portugal were already 3-0 up at half-time, courtesy of Alexandre Silva (13’) and Buta (23’ and 24’). Gonçalo Rodrigues finished off the scoresheet in the 64th minute.

The winner of each group will qualify for the Euro finals, to be played in Germany.

Wing-back features for national under-19 team in La Manga Tournament

Pedro Empis played the full 90 minutes against Poland for Portugal under-19's this week, on matchday 1 of the La Managa International Tournament.

Portugal trailed twice in the match (goals from Mateusz Wieteska on 19 minutes and Jakub Kuzdra on 46 minutes), but Rui Pedro (39’) and Bruno Almeida (66’) ensured the honours were split.

Portugal put four past Greece in Euro qualification tournament

The national under-19 squad finished Group 7 of the the European Championship Qualification Tournament in the best way possible this weekend, beating Greece 4-0 in Viseu.

Alvalade youngers Pedro Silva and Pedro Empis (substituted in the 66th minute for Fernando Fonseca) both started for Emílio Peixe's side, while Bubacar Djaló was introduced to the action with 13 minutes left on the clock in place of Renato Sanches. On target for Portugal were Gonçalo Rodrigues (15’), Rúben Dias (33’), Renato Sanches (70’) and Alexandre Silva (87’).

The result sees Portugal finish the mini tournament with three wins in three matches, having scored 10 and conceded none.

Also qualified for the next phase are Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, England, Italy, Turkey, Ukraine, Israel, Denmark, France, Holland Czech Republic, Serbia, Belgium and Sweden.

Portugal geating up for Euro Qualification Tournament

The national under-19 coach Emílio Peixe has included three Sporting players in his squad for the coming European Championship 2016 Qualification tournament.

Goalkeeper Pedro Silva, left-back Pedro Empis and defensive midfielder Bubacar Djaló are the Alvalade trio who will feature against Moldova (Nelas Municipal Stadium, 10th of November), Lithuania (Fontelo Municipal stadium, 12th of December) and Greece (Fontelo Municipal Stadium, 15th of November).

Squad list in full: Carlos Alves, Fábio Duarte, Pedro Silva; David Sualehe, Fernando Fonseca, TFrancisco Ferreira, Jorge Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Yuri Ribeiro, Bubacar Djaló, Gonçalo Rodrigues, João Carvalho, Pedro Empis, Pedro Rodrigues, Pedro Delgado, Renato Sanches, Alexandre Silva, André Ribeiro, Buta, Diogo Gonçalves and Luís Mata.