Barros goal gives Portugal consolation in Croatia

Portugal gained the consolation of second place in UEFA European Under-19 Championship elite round Group 1 with victory against hosts Croatia.

Belgium's victories against both these teams on the opening matchdays had ensured the one finals berth on offer had been decided before this concluding fixture. Filipe Barros scored the only goal on 18 minutes, ensuring Portugal at least bowed out with victory.

From the off Portugal put Croatia goalkeeper Simon Sluga under pressure, and found a way past him when Rúben Pinto's long-range effort was blocked and Barros pounced on the rebound. Barros and two of Portugal's squad from the 2010 U17 finals, Ivan Cavaleiro and Ricardo Esgaio, were impressive but so was Sluga.

Ivan Blažević came close for Croatia on 64 minutes but missed the target, while Sluga's only slip came when Barros stole the ball from him and found Cavaleiro, whose effort was blocked on the line by Marin Mić. For Portugal, there is consolation as the likes of Esgaio, Cavaleiro and Bruma are eligible next season.

Hélio Sousa, the Portugal coach, said: "We wanted this win more. Croatia's players were always behind ours and we deserved this victory. We expected to qualify, but after a loss in the first match we couldn't make it. But, at least we achieved two victories."

His counterpart, Ivan Grnja, added: "We had many injury problems and we could see that on the pitch. I asked my players to give everything, but some of them couldn't make it. Portugal were better, it was clear."