When Portugal take on Austria in the final of the inaugural 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium today, it will mark the first time in 34 years that a final has featured two sides contesting their maiden final.
Ghana’s 1-0 win over Spain in 1991 was the last time a pair of final debutants battled for the title. History will be made no matter who comes out on top in the all-European showdown. Portugal are hunting their first-ever U-17 global crown, while Austria are aiming to win their maiden FIFA World Cup in any category.
Portugal came into the tournament as European champions and have displayed their elite quality throughout the competition. Their attacking flair has been on show in thumping wins over the likes of Morocco and Mexico, while they demonstrated their defensive grit and resilience to dig deep and see off Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals.
While the Portuguese have suffered one defeat in the competition – against Japan in the group stage – Austria have triumphed in each of their seven matches so far. Hermann Stadler’s team have been exceptional, scoring 17 times and conceding just once on their way to the final. Powerhouse nations England and Italy are among the sides they have left in their wake.
Speaking ahead of the final, Portugal coach Bino Macaes said: "We’re up against an Austria side that deserves a lot of credit. They’re a very difficult team to beat, having conceded only one goal in the competition. That tells you how difficult it is to score against Austria. We have to prepare well for this match.”
Hermann Stadler, Austria coach, said: "It’s the first time the Austrian team is in the final. It’s fantastic. It’s a dream come true. What an incredible story! When we arrived at the World Cup, our goal was to get through the group stage, but we’ve been getting better with every match.”
Portugal captain Rafael Quintas combines tenacity, technical ability and outstanding football intelligence in the middle of the park. Teammate Jose Neto hailed him as "the brains of the team”. He added: "Rafael is the one who gets us into the right mindset when things aren’t going well and keeps us fired up.”
Portugal’s leading goalscorer is Anisio Cabral with six strikes at Qatar 2025. Cabral has spearheaded his team’s charge to the final. Athletic, focused and clinical, he looks up to both Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo. Coach Bino has saluted Cabral’s desire for self-improvement. "He’s evolving,” said Bino. "He’s a boy who loves to listen and to learn, and that’s what is helping him to keep progressing and get stronger and stronger.”
For Austria, Jakub Pokorny is rock at the heart of a mean, superbly-organised defence, captain Pokorny’s inspiring leadership has drove his team on at the U-17 World Cup.
His stirring pre-match speeches have earned praise from team-mate Johannes Moser while Pokorny explained: "I just say what comes into my head. I normally always give a speech before the games to push the guys, and it usually works! We are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.”
Moser, Austria’s talisman has lit up the U-17 World Cup, delivering a series of exhilarating performances. The leader of the adidas Golden Boot race with eight goals, his tally includes the winner in the quarter-final against Japan and two wonderful goals in their 2-0 semi-final victory over Italy. The attacking midfielder blends power, grace and ruthlessness in the final third. He will be out to finish a remarkable individual campaign on the biggest high imaginable.