Under-18 tournament: The Republic of Ireland Under-18s claimed the Viseu Tournament with a 1-0 victory over the hosts yesterday.
A Gerry Gill goal ensured victory for Ireland, giving them six points from two games played. And when yesterday's other match between Norway and Turkey ended 2-2, Ireland could not be caught.
"Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic," said manager Noel O'Reilly. "We came here with a new team, and to beat Turkey and Portugal and win this tournament with one game to go is brilliant.
"Turkey were good but Portugal are even better. This team won the European Championships last year, so to beat them on their own turf shows how well the team did.
"It was backs to the wall in the second half, but we held our nerve and deservedly won the game because we were far better in the first half."
The goal came after 10 minutes when a long throw was flicked into the box by David Elebert, where Andrew Keogh exchanged passes with Gill, who turned quickly to volley home.
Ireland had several other chances in the first half, with Conal Platt and Keogh both going close, but Portugal had the upper hand in the second half without ever really threatening Conrad Logan, ensuring that Ireland claimed yet another underage tournament success.
