Preview: Wednesday's U17 EURO semi-finals

Portugal v Netherlands (13.00CET/15.00 local, Dalga Arena) – live on Eurosport 2
• Portugal have registered 12 goals without reply in Azerbaijan, five of them in a scintillating display against Austria on Saturday. This is the nations' second meeting this year, the sides having drawn 1-1 in the Algarve Cup in February. "[That friendly] was a way of preparing for the elite round and, although this is totally different, we should remember what both teams did," coach Hélio Sousa told UEFA.com.

"The Netherlands are strong, they play compact and have a good understanding of what they want to do. They have players who can bring about mistakes from their opponents, so we have to understand and be aware of that and stamp our identity on the game as often as we can."

While six-goal José Gomes has been the standout component in a well-oiled Portugal machine, Sousa said: "I'm very pleased with all 18 players. They've been amazing throughout the tournament in all departments – not just on the field. José Gomes is no more important than the other 17."

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• The Netherlands have recorded three consecutive victories without conceding a goal since beginning their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Spain 11 days ago. The next test is their toughest yet: an encounter with free-scoring Portugal, who flew out of the traps against Austria. "Portugal are a different team to Sweden and require different solutions," coach Kees van Wonderen told reporters after the quarter-final.

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"[This tournament is] the best the boys can get because they're 17 and here to develop. We've played against teams with differing styles and for them it's a great experience to be learning at such a high level about different systems."

Van Wonderen will be without forward Dylan Vente, booked in added time on Sunday. "We had quite a few on a yellow, but at least our defence is intact to meet the challenge, although it's going to be a tough game."

Suspended: Dylan Vente (Netherlands)

Quarter-finals
Portugal 5-0 Austria
Sweden 0-1 Netherlands

Germany v Spain (18.00/20.00, Dalga Arena) – live on Eurosport 2
• "Proud" to be facing Spain in a UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final, Germany coach Meikel Schönweitz knows it will not be straightforward for his team to continue the upward curve they are on in Baku. "I like watching my team; I'm very satisfied with their performance, but we have a hard one to come," he explained. "Since the first game [a 2-2 draw with Ukraine] the team have stepped it up a level. They have to do it again in the next match."

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Renat Dadashov, 17 today, will seek to score for the third successive fixture and fire 2015 runners-up Germany into the final in the land of his parents' birth. "Renat is working hard and earning himself credit with his goals," added Schönweitz.

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• Santi Denia has outlined the reasoning behind his decision to omit Francisco García – whose wonderful individual goal settled Spain's quarter-final against England – from the starting XI during the group stage. "In the first three matches we wanted to play more through the middle, but today we focused on the wings, so that's why Fran was in the team," he said.

Of Germany, the former Atlético Madrid defender added: "It'll be another difficult match for us, but we'll be ready. We know Germany are the favourites for the championship, but we'll try to do our best."

Suspended: Florian Baak (Germany)

Quarter-finals
Germany 1-0 Belgium
Spain 1-0 England