U19 EURO: Group A matchday two preview
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Article summary
Italy take on Austria on Thursday knowing that victory could take them through but for hosts Germany, up against Portugal, it is win or bust after losing their tournament opener.
Article top media content
Article body
Italy v Austria (Stadion an der Kreuzeiche, Reutlingen, 12.00CEST)
- Italy are full of confidence after beating Germany 1-0 in their Group A opener. "We don't fear our rivals at these finals," says goalkeeper Alex Meret, who shone in Stuttgart. "We will play against anybody. Our dream is to go far. Me and my team-mates are all here with the same objective: winning this European Championship."
- Austria captain Marco Krainz – who impressed in his side's 1-1 draw with Portugal on Monday – is similarly bullish. "Obviously there's respect [for Italy], but we're also full of confidence," Krainz told UEFA.com. "We're motivated, we're excited about tomorrow's game and we want to take three points."
Germany v Portugal (Arena Grossaspach, Grossaspach, 19.30CEST)
- Germany coach Guido Streichsbier believes that his side will find their range second time out having spurned numerous opportunities in Monday's defeat by Italy. "The lads know how to go about scoring goals," he said. "I have every confidence that they'll do it better against Portugal."
- Portugal coach Emilio Peixe is also demanding improvement from his side. "Our aim is always to fight to the end," he said after the Selecção youngsters came from behind to rescue a point on Monday evening. "In upcoming games we're very confident that we can show more."
