Doha: Austria and Portugal will meet in a landmark FIFA U-17 World Cup final on Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium, with both nations chasing their first title in the competition’s history.
According to Qatar News Agency, Austria coach Hermann Stadler expressed that his side’s unexpected run to the final “felt like a dream,” praising his players’ consistency and mindset throughout the tournament. With a full squad available, including in-form striker Johannes Moser, Stadler said Austria are determined to “continue writing history” after reaching their first World Cup final at any age group.
Portugal, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a dramatic penalty-shootout win over Brazil in the semi-finals. Coach Bino Macaes acknowledged the scale of the challenge but said his team’s steadily improving performances give them belief heading into the decider.
“We know finals are decided by small details,” he said, stressing the need for realism and efficiency in front of goal. Macaes, aiming to become the first Portuguese coach to claim the title, added that the team are motivated by the strong support they have received in Qatar.
The match marks the first U-17 World Cup final in 34 years to feature two debut finalists – a rarity last seen in 1991, when Ghana beat Spain.