Improvement required in Barcelos

The old adage is that the next game is the most important in a footballer's life, and this certainly rings true in the case of Portugal's meeting with Serbia and Montenegro in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Both teams go into the Group A match in Barcelos on the back of opening-day defeats – and aware that one more slip will spell likely elimination from the tournament.

Title hope
Optimism, not fear, defines the thoughts of Portugal coach Agostinho Oliveira, however, as he bids to revive his players following the 1-0 loss to France. "We are going to fight for the title in spite of the result against France. As long as we have a mathematical chance we will not give up," insisted Oliveira, who is ready to "make changes because we have doubts about the fitness of some players".

Praise due
The coach's positive thinking extends as far as the opposition, with praise being afforded to a Serbia and Montenegro side edged out 1-0 by Germany at the same Estádio Cidade de Barcelos. "They are very strong physically, perhaps not so strong technically and quite raw too, but they are strong in defence and quick in attack." A second defeat, though, is unthinkable for Ricardo Quaresma, captain of the hosts. "This team is not used to losing and we are going to show everybody that we are a top side. I cannot even contemplate not being in the semi-finals."

Wrong attitude
For Serbia and Montenegro coach Dragomir Okuka, the unacceptable is another display like Tuesday's. "We were very disappointed with the attitude of the players and the way they treated the game. It is no disgrace to lose to Germany, but the manner of the defeat was the disappointing thing."

Vučinić setback
Serbo-Montenegrin hopes have been further hit by the news that Mirko Vučinić has succumbed to a knee injury which previously required surgery. Okuka was already planning changes before being shorn of his highly-rated striker. "Vučinić didn't have a problem against Germany but he felt the injury today," the coach explained, adding: "I was satisfied with just the second part of the first half on Tuesday and my selection against Portugal will depend both on a player's fitness and his desire. The important thing is that they all play to win, because against Germany we didn't show that desire, and this will determine whether or not we progress."

Take your chances
Nemanja Rnić, Igor Burzanović and Duško Tošić, unused in the first fixture, may get their chance. And taking opportunities will be crucial for both countries. "All the sides in the group are at the same level – in Portugal v France there weren't many goalscoring chances – so you have to take them when they come. But results aren't always an exact measure of a team's quality and Portugal have very good forwards and big names in midfield while their defence limited France in the second half. I am sure we will see their stronger side on Thursday."