Portugal hold Austria in U-19 European Championship

The Portugal football team held Austria to a 1-1 draw, thanks to Pedro Empis' second-half equaliser in the UEFA Under-19 European Championship here.

After Italy stunned hosts Germany 1-0 at the curtain raiser earlier on Monday, Portugal and Austria shared the spoils in the second game of Group A as Empis cancelled out Austria's first-half opener through Arnel Jakupovic, reports Xinhua.

Portugal dictated the pace from the kick-off before Austria halted Portugal's momentum with 10 minutes into the game.

Austria's Arnel Jakupovic capitalized on Xaver Schlager's build-up work that dropped off the post, allowing Jakupovic to slot home the opener from close range past Portugal's custodian Pedro Silva.

Emilio Peixe's men increased their efforts as Diogo Goncalves came close to curl home free kick from the right wing with 20 minutes into the encounter.

However, Portugal struggled to find a gap inside Austria's well-positioned defence before the break.

Portugal ensured a bright start into the second half as Empis received the ball following a one-two to drill the ball from the edge of the box past Austrian goalkeeper Paul Gartler to restore parity in the 53rd minute.

The leveller gave Portugal momentum but they failed grab the lead despite their powerful performance in the closing period of the match.

After Monday's results, Italy lead Group A with three points followed by Austria and Portugal, who share the second place, followed by hosts Germany.

--IANS

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