Glory again for Portugal
Sunday 1 January 2006
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Portugal had come close to winning their second UEFA European Under-18 Championship title in both 1997 and 1998. A year after the latter competition their wait ended.
Germany ousted
Sweden were selected as hosts, and holders the Republic of Ireland qualified for the tournament, defeating neighbours Northern Ireland 2-1 in both legs of their play-off. However, 1998 runners-up Germany finished behind Norway in their group, while England were pipped by Spain on goal difference.
Portugal power through
The hosts were in Group A, and the opening day proved goalless as Portugal and Greece produced the same stalemate as Sweden and France. Greece then drew 1-1 with France but the hosts fell 3-1 to Portugal, who then beat France 1-0 to go through. Greece drew again, 1-1 against Sweden, to finish second.
Italy end Irish reign
Ireland began Group B with a 1-0 win against Spain, with Italy doubling that advantage against first-time qualifiers Georgia. On Matchday 2 Italy led twice in the first half against Spain, but needed a last-gasp Mattia Rinaldini equaliser for a 3-3 draw, with Ireland and Georgia also sharing six goals. So Italy's game against Ireland was to prove decisive, and the Azzurrini won 2-0, with late goals from Mattia Graffiedi and Enzo Maresca. Spain defeated Georgia 4-1 to finish third in the pool.
João Paulo winner
Though Ireland had lost their crown, they did beat Greece 1-0 for third place thanks to Cliver Delaney's 47th-minute effort. In the final there was also only one goal, as João Paulo struck on 33 minutes for Portugal, who held on despite Carlos Semedo's red card with 25 minutes left.
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