Under-17 team guide: Portugal

For Portugal's team page click here

Portugal are targeting their first youth crown in three years as they prepare to participate in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship on home soil.

Superb pedigree
Having won eight youth trophies between 1989 and 2000, the hosts have a superb pedigree and must be considered among the favourites to lift the crown this time around - which would be a good omen for the senior side's chances at UEFA EURO 2004™, also on home soil next year. Having been drawn in Group A, arguably the easier of the two groups, everything is in place for the Portuguese to meet Iberian rivals Spain, from Group B, in the final on 17 May.

THE COACH:
António Violante is one of the most experienced coaches in youth football in Portugal. He started working for the FPF (Portuguese Football Federation)  more than ten years ago, and has since taken part in 13 European Championships. As an assistant coach he has reached four European finals while as head coach he has taken part in two finals - losing to France in the UEFA U18 final in 1997 and beating Czech Republic in the 2000 U16 final.

Anyone can win
Despite enjoying home advantage, Violante is firm in his belief that his side will have to battle hard to progress in what seems sure to be a tight tournament. "This will be a very hard competition," he said. "I think all eight teams can win."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
FC Porto have more players in the Portuguese squad than any other club with five, while Sporting Clube de Portugal have four and SL Benfica and SC Braga. João Coimbra of Benfica and Márcio Sousa of Porto are the most important players within what is a creative midfield with coach Violante relying on the duo's speed to carry the ball from defence into attack.

Freitas in form
Of the four strikers Violante will rely most heavily on Porto's Adelino Freitas, who has scored six goals in 13 appearances, and Sporting's Saleiro. Between them the duo have scored half of the side's goals in the friendlies leading up to this tournament.

ROUTE TO THE FINALS:
As hosts Portugal did not have to qualify for the finals, but they have been in excellent friendly form, failing to hit the net in just two of their 13 warm-up games.

Portugal youth honours:
UEFA European Under-16 Championship:
Winners 1989, 1995, 1996, 2000
Runners-up 1988
UEFA European Under-18 Championship:
Winners 1994, 1999
Runners-up 1988, 1990, 1992, 1997
FIFA World Youth Cup:
Winners 1989, 1991