Portugal U23 Women and Belgium Women U23 played out a 0-0 draw in their international friendly on Monday, 12 October 2026. While the scoreline was blank, the fixture offered both coaching staffs a valuable opportunity to assess emerging talent in a competitive, low-margin environment.

A tactical stalemate with real value

International friendlies at under-23 level are ultimately about development, but that does not mean they lack intensity. Both sides pressed with purpose, defended with commitment and created enough half-chances to suggest the game could have swung either way with a little more composure in the final third.

Portugal, playing with the confidence of a strong recent record at youth level, dominated possession for long stretches. Belgium, technically accomplished and well drilled, were content to cede the ball in less dangerous areas and look to spring forward on transition.

Key moments

• Portugal's pressure: The hosts produced the clearest openings, working the ball into wide areas and delivering dangerous crosses that the Belgian defence dealt with.
• Belgium's counters: The visitors looked most threatening when breaking at speed, forcing Portugal's back line to stay alert throughout.
• Goalkeeping: Both keepers produced assured displays, handling crosses confidently and claiming the ball cleanly when their defences were tested.

What the coaches learned

For Portugal, the match highlighted a familiar challenge: control without a decisive finish. The midfield rotations were sharp and the build-up play was patient, but the final ball lacked the incisiveness needed to break down an organised, deep-lying defensive structure. That is a puzzle the staff will want solved as the squad moves into more competitive fixtures.

Belgium's coaching team will be pleased with the defensive discipline and the team's ability to withstand pressure without panicking. The attacking output, however, was limited, and generating more sustained threat against strong possession sides is likely to be a focus in upcoming training camps.

Players who impressed

Portugal's central defenders were composed throughout, reading the game well and stepping out with the ball to initiate attacks. In midfield, the link-up play was bright and inventive, and the wide players consistently asked questions of their markers. Up front, the movement was intelligent, even if the finishing touch eluded them.

Belgium's standout performers were in the defensive and midfield units. The goalkeeper commanded the area effectively, while the holding midfielder shielded the back four with real intelligence and looked comfortable in possession under pressure.

Looking ahead

A goalless draw will not dominate headlines, but for two under-23 squads with long-term ambitions it was a useful, honest test. Portugal will want to convert their territorial dominance into goals in their next outing, while Belgium will look to build on a solid defensive foundation by adding more attacking intent.

With more fixtures on the horizon, both federations will continue using these matches to evaluate which players are ready to step up to senior international football. On this evidence, there is plenty of talent coming through on both sides.