Three years ago, in the Olympic Qualification Tournaments, Portugal stunned their opponents and secured the maiden berth for the Olympic Games, with an outstanding 29:28 win against France, which saw them clinch the second ticket for Tokyo 2020, in a three-way tie with the eventual Olympic champions and Croatia.

That performance was another confirmation that Portugal are on the correct path, as they became a constant presence in major international competitions, finishing 10th at the 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship and 13th at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship, as well as sixth at the EHF EURO 2020 and seventh at the EHF EURO 2024.

The latter performance was the one which brought Portugal back into the fold for an Olympic Games ticket, as they also play the underdogs role in the Olympic Qualification Tournament #3 in Tatabanya, where they face Hungary, Norway and Tunisia.

Never has the underdog status scared Paulo Pereira’s side, as Portugal are aiming once again for the Olympic Games in Paris, which would see them secure back-to-back appearances in the competition, something that Portugal could not even dream of a decade or two ago. Yet here there are, with a strong team, which brings drama and excitement every time they take on the court.

Players like centre backs Rui Silva and Miguel Martins, as well as wings Pedro Portela or Antonio Areia are already well-versed in the Portugal national team, while line player Luis Frade has developed into one of the best players in his position, both in defence and in attack.

But the brightest stars are the Costa brothers, who are ready to shine once again and represent the future of this Portugal national team. Much has been said about right back Francisco, who just turned 19 years old, with the potential being immense and the ceiling huge for him. 

His brother, left back Martim, who is 21 years old, has also become one of the top players in the world on his position, after securing the top goal scorer title at the EHF EURO 2024, with 54 goals, in the seven matches played by Portugal in the European competition.

In the past four years, Portugal have played three times against Norway, losing twice, including by a single goal, 28:29, at the 2021 IHF Men’s World Championship. They avenged those losses at the EHF EURO 2024, when they took a clear 37:32 win, helping themselves on the way to the Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Portugal also won two out of the last three clashes against Hungary, including a clear 27:20 win at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship, which proved once again that Paulo Pereira’s side are no pushovers and could well challenge for a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Key players: Martim Costa (left back), Francisco Costa (right back), Rui Silva (centre back)
History at the Olympic Games: 2020: 9th 
Olympic Qualification Tournament #3 (in Tatabanya, Hungary): Norway, Hungary, Portugal, Tunisia