Portugal set up all-Iberian final

Saleiro leaves it late
At full time the sides were tied at 2-2 after Portugal substitute Saleiro headed an equaliser in added time to draw his team level with John Peacock's side, who had led 2-1 since the 21st minute. The Portuguese then held their nerve in the resulting shoot-out - to the delight of the Viseu crowd.

Attacking intent
Both countries played with incessant attacking intent throughout what was an absorbing first half. Early on Adelino Freitas down the Portuguese right and James Milner on the English left both caused their opposing defences trouble with some neat footwork and accurate crosses. After seven minutes the hosts went close to opening the scoring when João Coimbra's cross found Manuel Curto who headed just wide of Thomas Heaton's left-hand post.

Bowditch opener
A minute later England were ahead after Stuart Giddings's cross reached Dean Bowditch at the far post and he teased Mário Felgueiras off his line with one touch before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. However, the lead proved short-lived, Portugal replying within two minutes. A rash challenge by Martin Cranie resulted in a Portuguese free-kick down the left, and a booking for the Southampton FC defender which will rule him out of Saturday's play-off. The set-piece was then sensationally swung straight into the England net by Adelino Freitas from an acute angle.

Paulo Machado shot
Soon after the restart Ryan Jarvis had an excellent chance to score England's second but his side-footed effort flashed wide. Meanwhile, in the 20th minute, Paulo Machado set up João Pedro for a skidding shot which Heaton held on to.

Furious pace
As the game continued to career along at a furious pace Milner restored England's lead with what so nearly proved to be the winning goal. The Leeds United AFC youngster did well to let Bowditch's pass float on to his right foot near the edge of the Portuguese penalty area before letting rip with an unstoppable shot which flew into the back of the net.

Measured passing
Anxious not to concede an immediate equaliser for the second time England made a conscious effort to slow the game down, frustrating Portugal with some measured passing, and reaching half-time with few further alarms save for a dangerous dipping shot from Márcio Sousa.

Determined air
Portugal began the second half with a determined air. After five minutes Paulo Machado initiated and finished a sweeping move that saw the FC Porto midfield player blast a shot over the bar. Adelino Freitas then curled another of his trademark free-kicks across the face of the English goal. England themselves went close to extending their lead in the 58th minute when a clever jinking run by Aaron Lennon gave him the space to feed Bowditch whose shot fizzed wide. Adelino Freitas then drove a low shot into the side-netting for the hosts.

Forwards thrown on
In the game's final 20 minutes Portugal coach António Violante threw on forwards Helder Barbosa and Saleiro and then midfield player Bruno Gama. Saleiro tested Heaton with a low shot at his near post but there appeared to be an air of desperation about Miguel Veloso's 73rd-minute shot which flew well wide of the target. However, as the game entered added time Saliero found a gap in the English defence and struck with a close-range header from Bruno Gama's cross to send the game to penalties.

Portuguese edge
From the moment Mário Felgueiras saved Nathan Doyle's opening penalty Portugal always had the edge in the shoot-out and when Grant Leadbitter became the third English player to fail to score a place in Saturday's final against Spain, as well as a berth in this summer's FIFA World Under-17 Championship in Finland, was Portugal's.