BERLIN, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Portugal held Austria to a 1-1 draw thanks to Pedro Empis' second-half equalizer at UEFA Under-19 European Championship in Grossapach, Germany on Monday.
After Italy flabbergasted hosts Germany 1-0 at the curtain raiser of the tournament earlier on Monday, Portugal and Austria shared the spoils at the second game of Group A as Empis cancelled out Austria's first-half opener through Arnel Jakupovic.
Portugal dictated the pace from the kick-off before Austria halted Portugal's momentum with ten 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 Austria's goalkeeper Paul Gartler to restore parity in the 53rd minute.
The leveller gave Portugal momentum yet they failed grab the lead despite their powerful performance in the closing period of the match.
With the result, Italy lead Group A with three points followed by Austria, and Portugal, who share the second place, and hosts Germany.
