The 1989 U20 World Cup
Portugal have yet to win the World Cup since its inception only reaching the semi finals on two occasions in 1966 and 2006 but in 1989 and 1991 Portugal won back to back FIFA under 20 World Cups in what was for the first time called the golden generation for Portuguese football. We take at Portugal’s U20 Golden Generation World Cup winners and what they accomplished.
The 1989 under 20 World Cup was played in Saudi Arabia and had 16 nations in the finals. Portugal was placed in group A with the hosts along with Nigeria and the former Czechoslovakia. Portugal at the time was managed by future national team manager Carlos Queiroz and captained by Leixoes midfielder Toze. The 1989 tournament was the start for household names, Paulo Sousa, Joao Pinto and Fernando Couto.
Portugal opened the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Czechoslovakia when striker Paolo Alves hit the mark at the 88th minute. Portugal’s second game saw Joao Pinto strike in the 78th minute to defeat Nigeria 1-0 and clinch a place in the quarter final round with a game to spare. Portugal took their foot off the gas in their last group game against the hosts Saudi Arabia and were soundly defeated 3-0 with all goals coming in the second half.
Portugal still managed to top Group A and advanced to a quarter final match up against Group B runners up Colombia. Portugal once again managed a 1-0 victory to advance to the semis with winger Jorge Couto scoring in the first half.
Next up for Portugal was a semi-final game against powerhouse Brazil. Portugal for the fourth time in the tournment defeated their opponents 1-0 this time with another winger Jorge Amaral potting the winner at the 68th minute.
Portugal advanced to the Finals where they would once again face group member Nigeria and just like in the group stage they handed their African opponent another loss by a score of 2-0 with goals in each half, the first off the left foot of Abel Silva who’s shot from outside the penalty box picked the top right corner, that was followed by Jorge Couto’s splendid run and low shot. As the final whistle was blown, Portugal’s golden generation of football had now begun.
The 1991 U20 World Cup
After their victory in 1989 in which Portugal captured their first FIFA trophy the squad set out to become the first country to win the under 20 World Cup on their home soil. We now take a look at the winning squad of 1991 and how they accomplished this feet as the age of the Portuguese golden generation was now upon us.
The 1991 under 20 World Cup was played on home soil in Portugal and had 16 nations in the finals. Portugal as host was automatically placed in group A with along with Ireland, Argentina and a unified Korea. Portugal was once again managed by Carlos Queiroz and captained this time by Boavista forward Joao Pinto. Pinto and keeper Fernando Brassard were the only returning members of 1989 squad and introduced Portugal to Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Jorge Costa.
Portugal opened the tournament with a sound 2-0 victory over Ireland as Joao Pinto and Nuno Capucho scored for the hosts. Portugal’s second game saw an explosive second half lead them to a 3-0 victory over Argentina and once again clinched a spot in the knockout round with a game to spare. Portugal this time did not lose their final group game, defeating a surprising Korean side 1-0 on a goal by defender Paulo Torres, his second of the round late in the first half.
Portugal finished a top Group A, advancing to a quarter final match up against Group B runners up Mexico. The Mexicans pushed Portugal to the brink and a header from striker Toni in extra time gave the hosts a hard fought 2-1 victory.
Next up for Portugal was a semi-final game against Australia. Rui Costa’s superb solo effort goal was all that the host nation needed on their way to a 1-0 win and they advanced to the final of the tournament with a chance to defend their 1989 crown.
Portugal was now in the Finals where they would once again face a familiar foe in Brazil, who looked to avenge their 1989 defeat by the Quinas. The final would go the full 120 minutes as both teams failed to capitalize on their chances. The dreaded penalties was upon a sold out crowd at the Estadio da Luz. Rui Costa would once again play hero, scoring the decisive winner as Portugal won 4-2 on penalties to defend their 1989 crown and become the first nation to win the under 20 World Cup on their home soil. Peixe was awarded tournament MVP and Portugal’s Golden Generation was here.