ସଠିକ୍ ଡାଟା: ପୋର୍ଚୁଗୀଜ U21 ଅସୀମ

ଆଉ କথা? 24টি team-এ ‘clean sheet’ without a goal conceded. Portuqal U21-এ zero goals. Not luck—defensive discipline.

অপonent: Netherland U21. Four goals conceded in group stage. Only five goals scored across three matches? That’s survival.

And no, I’m not biasing because of my Irish roots (though I do find it poetic when small nations outplay bigger ones). This is analytics, baby.

Why Defense Wins Championships — Even at 21 Years Old

Portugal’s defense isn’t just solid—it’s surgical. They’ve allowed zero shots on target per game on average. Yes, you read that right: zero. Meanwhile, Holland has allowed over 3 shots on target per game.

When you’re a young team playing at this level, consistency isn’t just an advantage—it’s oxygen.

And here’s where it gets spicy: their attack is balanced too—not reliant on one player but spreading chances across multiple lanes. Four different scorers already this tournament? That means they’re not vulnerable to single-point breakdowns.

Meanwhile…

The Dutch Midfield Just Got Gutted by a Red Card

Uli Reggel—their central pivot—is gone due to suspension after a red card last week. Let me say this plainly: he was their engine.

Three goals and two assists during qualifiers? Not bad for a midfielder who doesn’t even start most games with big clubs yet.

Now imagine your rhythm disrupted mid-tournament because the guy who hands you passes like clockwork is suddenly banned from sitting on the bench.

That’s what happened to Holland. Their control map just lost its anchor point.

You can’t replace chemistry with talent alone—especially when you’re playing against a team that thrives off structure and tempo manipulation.