Hosts hoping to surprise champions

Denmark take on Spain in their UEFA European Under-17 Championship quarter-final on Saturday and the host nation will be looking to edge out the last year's U-16 winners in a potentially thrilling encounter.

Previous meeting
However, the omens are not good for Denmark. They lost 3-0 against their opponents in a youth tournament in Las Palmas in January and now face a Spanish side with a 100 per cent record in this year's competition.

Runners-up
The hosts sealed their place in the last eight with a goalless draw against England in their last Group A match, but had to settle for the runners-up spot in the final standings. Four points form their previous two matches, against the Netherlands and Finland, all but confirmed their progress but Hans Brun's side then found the balance between hard work and technique in Hvidovre to earn they point they needed to qualify.

Rasmussen threat
In Morten Rasmussen, Demark have the competition's second-top scorer and his goalscoring form will be key if Denmark are to book a semi-final berth. The AGF Århus forward impressed in his country's opening matches, scoring six goals in two games, but failed to find the target against England when he was frustrated by a resolute rearguard. Spain should prove to be a different proposition, as their play relies more on attacking flair than a rock-solid defence.

'All or nothing'
Brun's side are in good form and he is hopeful that they can produce an upset in front of vociferous home support. "We played Spain away in January and lost 3-0, but we did create eight or nine good chances in the match," he said. "As the host nation we didn't have to play any qualifying matches, so maybe they will have the upper hand. We will take each game as it come from now on but this is an all or nothing match and I'm sure both sides will be a little nervous. Maybe we can catch Spain by surprise."

Soriano on song
Spain's forward line is led by RCD Espanyol's Jonathan Soriano, another man with the scoring touch this year. His seven goals have propelled him to the top of the scoring charts and he, along with captain Jaime Gavilán, looks to be the key man for his country. Having topped Group C with maximum points, Spain are certainly on track to repeat their success of last year but face a tough test against a Danish side with a point to prove in front of their home supporters.

Confident mood
Spain coach Juan Santisteban was in confident mood ahead of Saturday's match but is well aware of the threat their opponents pose. Victories over the Czech Republic, Moldova and Yugoslavia will have boosted confidence in the Spanish camp but Denmark are a more physical and tactical side.

'Strong team'
"We are always confident that we will win but I think that this will be a difficult match," Santisteban said. "We beat Denmark in January but they are a very strong team. At this level, when you face a physical side it makes things complicated. Our ambition is to reach the final otherwise we wouldn't be here. We know that it is tough now and that we must win from now on to proceed in the competition."