England’s final match of the 2002 European Junior Championship last Saturday against a goal hungry Portugese side turned out to be a very difficult encounter for the English who had to play without 2 of the main 4 team members, Andrew Simms and James Taylor, who where under suspension after receiving red cards in the previous match against France.
The Portugese, who still had a match against Spain to go, where desperate to score as many goals as possible so that if they had beaten Spain they would win the championship on goal difference (against Spain and Italy) applied significant preasure through out the match.
England played a respectable first half with their strongest possible side to be 8-0 down at the break, but showing clear signs of tiredness.
In the second half Coach Amaral decided to substitute Goalkeeper Ian Morrison, who has played an outstanding Championship, with reserve keeper Ben Howes as well as letting his reserve bench have a run.
The final score was 20-1 to the Portugese who took a stagering 74 shots on goal to Englands 14.
Final placings for the competition were Spain, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, France, England and Germany.
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Reporter: Kos Galtos
