Doha, Qatar: Reigning European champions Portugal held their nerve to edge Brazil 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless regulation time, booking Thursday's FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 final against Austria.

Austria made history in the first semi-final, beating Italy 2-0 to reach their maiden FIFA World Cup final at any age level, thanks to Johannes Moser's heroics, scoring both goals.

After 103 matches at Aspire Zone's Competition Complex, the action will move to the iconic Khalifa International Stadium for the final, where Portugal and Austria are set to deliver a fitting conclusion to the expanded 48-team World Cup – the first in history.

Kick-off for the title clash is scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, following the third-place match between losing semi-finalists Brazil and Italy at Competition Complex's Mansour Muftah Pitch at 3:30pm.

Brazil and Portugal both enjoyed strong crowd support in their highly anticipated semi-final at Mansour Muftah Pitch. It was a gripping opening half, with both sides creating chances.

Portugal's Anisio Cabral and Brazilian star Dell came close to scoring, but the stalemate held until the final whistle.

Portugal players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout against Brazil. PIC: PFP

The shootout was tense, with both teams converting their first four penalties. Brazil had a golden chance to win after Portugal goalkeeper Romario Cunha missed their fifth attempt, but Brazil's Ruan Pablo struck the post. Both sides scored their sixth attempts before Jose Neto converted for Portugal and Angelo of Brazil sent his shot over the crossbar, triggering jubilation in the Portuguese camp.

It is Portugal's first final of the tournament.

“I think it was a great game. Very difficult and very competitive. We were luckier in the penalty shoot-out and we're very happy about that. It could have gone either way for Brazil. It was a great semi-final. Now it's time to rest so we can play a great game in the final,” said Portugal head coach Bino.

Earlier, at Khaled Ballan Pitch, Moser starred for Austria, scoring a second-half brace to take his tally to eight goals in the tournament.

In a showdown of unbeaten sides, Italy had started brightly with Dauda Iddrisa firing a powerful shot just over the bar, but overall the first half was cagey, with both teams struggling to find rhythm.

Austria returned stronger after the break. Moser broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, receiving a perfect through ball from Jakob Werner on the left and slotting a low left-footed shot into the far corner. He sealed the victory with a stunning free-kick in the third minute of stoppage time after defender Benit Borasio was sent off.

Another red card for Samuele Inacio at full-time capped Italy's disappointing evening as they bowed out.

Moser was ecstatic after the historic win.

“We can't believe it yet. It was a very physical game. Now we have to analyse it and look forward to the final. We are a very small country, and it means a lot to all of us. But the job is not finished – we want to win the World Cup.”

Austria coach Hermann Stadler praised his team, calling it a“dream come true.”

“It's great, amazing, outstanding. It's a dream for the Austrian football association and especially for all young Austrian footballers. It's the first time the Austrian team is in the final. The boys worked for each other, and now we are in the final.”

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