West Ham United youngster Quina is brimming with confidence after inspiring Portugal to victory in their opening UEFA European Under-19 Championship fixture.
Still just 18, Quina was in fine form as the 2017 runners-up kicked-off their challenge for a first Euro U19 title since 1999 with a convincing 3-1 Group A victory over Norway.
Wearing the No10 shirt, the young Hammer helped his team create 17 goal attempts in Finland, six of which were on target and three hit the back of the Norwegian net.
“We started the game well and dominated possession in the first half but even when we got a goal we knew they would fight,” said Quina, who started last year’s final defeat by England.
It's always important to win the first game, that's what gives you more confidence for the next game
Quina
Next up for Portugal is a mouth-watering clash with Italy in Vaasa at 6.30pm on Thursday 19 July.
The Italians began their campaign with a 1-0 win over the host nation, meaning a victory for Quina and his compatriots would all but secure their passage to the semi-finals.
“It's always important to win the first game, that's what gives you more confidence for the next game,” said the teenager, who made his West Ham debut at 16 in a UEFA Europa League tie with NK Domzale in July 2016. “But we're not going to get cocky, we'll be taking it game by game.”
Elsewhere, defending champions England defeated Turkey 3-2 in their Group B opener, with Ukraine overcoming France 2-1.
The final will be held in Seinajoki on Sunday 29 July.