Austria seek their first FIFA World Cup title in any age category. PIC: OEFB
Doha, Qatar: European champions Portugal and a relentless Austrian side are set for a historic showdown this evening in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 final,
with both teams chasing landmark triumph on Qatari soil. Before the title decider kicks off at 7pm at Doha’s iconic Khalifa International Stadium, the bronze-medal match
between Italy and Brazil will wrap up the tournament’s 103-match schedule at Aspire Zone’s Competition Complex. This inaugural 48-team edition marked by high energy,
dramatic upsets and a vibrant atmosphere could not have scripted a more compelling finale. Portugal aim to lift their first-ever U-17 World Cup crown while Austria seek their
first FIFA World Cup title in any age category.Portugal, coached by Bino Macaes, have dazzled throughout the competition despite
an early group-stage slip against Japan.They overpowered New Caledonia (6-1) and Morocco (6-0) before eliminating Belgium (2-1), crushing Mexico (5-0),
shutting out Switzerland (2-0) and edging tournament favourites Brazil on penalties in the semi-final.Their opponents, however, may be the tournament’s most complete team.
Under Hermann Stadler, Austria have been flawless, dispatching Saudi Arabia (1-0), Mali (3-0) and New Zealand (4-1) in the group stage.
Their knockout run has been even more impressive, with wins over Tunisia (2-0), England (4-0), Japan (1-0) and Italy (2-0).
Coach Bino acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge. “We’re up against an Austria side that deserves a lot of credit. They’re very difficult to beat, having conceded only one goal in the competition.
We’ve worked hard to reach the final and must prepare well for this match.”
Portugal will lean heavily on captain Rafael Quintas and forward Anisio Cabral, one of the tournament’s top scorers with six goals.
Austria will counter with defensive anchor Jakub Pokorny and their prolific striker Johannes Moser, who leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
Coach Stadler hopes to complete Austria’s fairy-tale run. “It’s the first time an Austrian team has reached a World Cup final. It’s fantastic,
a dream come true. We arrived hoping only to make it out of the group, but we’ve grown with every match. Now we want to make history.”Earlier today at 3:30pm,
Italy and Brazil meet in the third-place play-off. A win would give Italy their best-ever finish, improving on their fourth place in 1987. “We have to keep pushing.
We still have one more game to go (the play-off for third place). We want to do our best and try to win that,” said Italy captain Luca Reggiani. Brazil, meanwhile, are eyeing a record ninth
podium finish. “When Brazil plays, it is always to give our best. If the best we can achieve now is third place, we will go for it,” said Brazil coach Dudu Patetuci.
