Portugal prove too strong for Swiss

Two Ricardo Esgaio goals were the key as Portugal made a winning start to their first UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in six years.

Twice Esgaio struck after fine runs from Sporting Clube de Portugal team-mate Bruma, the second coming shortly after Mateus Fonseca had made it 2-0 just after the break. Below-strength Switzerland were in the game up to that point but need to revive their Group A bid against Spain in Vaduz on Friday, the same day as Portugal meet France.

Switzerland were without injured forward Andelko Savic, midfielder Darko Jevtic, captain Sead Hajrovic, suspended defender Arlind Ajeti and top scorer Stjepan Vuleta, but within seconds Mike Kleiber had gone close. However, Portugal were soon moving forward and João Carlos's cross was turned onto the post by Betinho but at the other end André Pereira did well to tip over Aleksandar Zarkovic's header.

Both sides were in an attacking frame of mind and after Switzerland came close Portugal surged forward through Bruma, though he was bravely denied by goalkeeper Yanick Brecher. Bruma – at 15 years and 206 days the youngest player in a U17 finals since 2003 – showed why he has been compared to one-time Sporting winger Cristiano Ronaldo on 25 minutes, producing another irresistible run that ended with him slipping the ball to Esgaio to shoot in.

Another 15-year-old, Endogan Adili, came on for Switzerland at the break and they immediately looked lively, captain Mattia Desole hitting the crossbar. But not long after, Fonseca doubled the lead following a neat interchange with Betinho. Within two minutes it was 3-0, again Bruma sprinting forward before setting up Esgaio for a fine angled finish. Portugal coach Rui Bento was able to withdraw Betinho, Fonseca and Bruma with the victory secure despite Adili testing André Pereira from close range late on.