Portugal ease to Israel victory

Portugal made it seven wins from seven in the 2013/14 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, a 3-0 win against Israel raising their goals tally to 24 for the current edition.

• Marcos Lopes scores two; André Silva also strikes
• Seventh successive 2013/14 U19 win for Portugal
• Portugal meet Hungary next, Israel take on Austria

Marcos Lopes' 39th-minute effort crowned a good opening from the Portuguese, who soaked up some pressure early in the second half before breaking well to add a second through André Silva. Marcos Lopes rounded off the scoring.

Raphael Guzzo and Gelson Martins had chances for Hélio Sousa's men, and Marcos Lopes struck the underside of the underside of the crossbar from a free-kick before the Manchester City FC man made the breakthrough, though his shot on the turn from nearly 25 metres out took a favourable deflection off the outstretched leg of Ayad Habashi to leave Dean Gal no chance in the Israel goal.

Michael Ohana puts in a challenge©Sportsfile

A 1-0 lead looked to be a slender one as Israel raced out of the blocks at the start of the second half, freeing themselves from the nerves on show in the first 45 minutes. Michael Ohana flashed a volley wide of goal as Portugal started to soak up some pressure of their own.

However, a new counterattacking approach reaped its reward in the 64th minute when André Silva tidied up the loose ball after Gelson Martins' effort drew a spectacular save from Gal. With Israel fading, Marcos Lopes volleyed in a third after Francisco Ramos hooked the ball back from a Gal punch.