Helder Costa has made two almost perfect debuts in the national shirt. Or rather, in two national jerseys. Something that only two big names before him have managed to do.
Would he have helped Portugal book their direct World Cup ticket, which was snatched late on by Serbia in Lisbon on Sunday evening? It’s just a theory, because Helder Costa only played once for Portugal three years ago – and now plays for another nation in the World Cup qualifiers.
Because the attacker, who was loaned to Valencia FC by Leeds United, only played in one friendly match for the 2016 European champions, a change of nation remained within the realms of possibility – which Costa completed in 2021 due to his limited chances with Portugal. The left-footer now wears the jersey of his country of birth, Angola.
Like di Stefano once did
For the Africans, Costa made his (second) international debut last Friday, again including a goal. He had given the Portuguese the lead against Scotland (3:1) in autumn 2018, his 1:0 in the World Cup qualifier against Egypt (with Mohamed Salah) was at least enough for a 2:2 – but not for a ticket to Qatar.
Two internationals, two goals – for two nations: The double premiere goal is an achievement with absolute rarity value. José “Mazzola” Altafini, top scorer with Milan in 1963 and winner of the National Champions Cup, had achieved this for Brazil and Italy in 1957 and 1961, while Real Madrid’s icon Alfredo di Stefano (1947 for Argentina, 1957 for Spain) was the first to do so. Helder Costa is now the third of the bunch.
