Despite its modest size and wealth, relative to its neighbours, Portugal has punched far beyond its weight in footballing terms.

Much of that success could be attributed to its youth development system. Portugal’s recent success at the U19 European Championships was just the latest achievement.

Portugal have made six finals in the last eight years at youth level. In comparison, the country made only three finals in the previous decade in total.

In 2019, Helio Sousa (Pictured) will be at the helm when the country competes at next summer’s U20 World Cup, hoping to complete a hat-trick of titles.

But, development does not end at youth level. It goes beyond that. Winning titles is always a good thing but much depends on what happens to these players after the tournaments end, particularly at club level.

Overall, Portugal have won 12 times in 24 finals at youth level.

Year	Opponent	Tournament	Result
2018	Italy	U19 Euro	Won 4-3 in extra time
2017	England	U19 Euro	Loss 1-2
2016	Spain	U17 Euro	Won 1-1, 5-4 in extra time
2015	Sweden	U21 Euro	Loss 0-0, 3-4 on penalties
2014	Germany	U19 Euro	Loss 0-1
2011	Brazil	U20 World Cup	Loss 2-3 in extra time
2003	Spain	U16 Euro	Won 2-1
2003	Italy	U19 Euro	Loss 0-2 in extra time
2000	Czech Republic	U16 Euro	Won 2-1 in extra time
1999	Italy	U18 Euro	Won 1-0
1997	France	U18 Euro	Loss 0-1 in extra time
1996	France	U16 Euro	Won 1-0
1995	Spain	U16 Euro	Won 2-0
1994	Germany	U18 Euro	Won 1-1, 4-1 on penalties
1994	Italy	U21 Euro	Loss 0-1 in extra time
1992	Turkey	U18 Euro	Loss 1-2 in extra time
1991	Brazil	U20 World Cup	Won 0-0, 4-2 on penalties
1990	Soviet Union	U18 Euro	Loss 0-0, 2-4 on penalties
1989	East Germany	U16 Euro	Won 4-1
1989	Nigeria	U20 World Cup	Won 2-0
1988	Spain	U16 Euro	Loss 0-0, 2-4 on penalties
1988	Soviet Union	U18 Euro	Loss 1-3 extra time
1971	England	U18 Euro	Loss 0-3
1961	Poland	U18 Euro	Won 4-0