U17 final: Portugal guide

Host nation Portugal have delighted their fans by reaching the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final. Having demonstrated silky attacking skills in Group A and mental strength in their semi-final triumph against England they will be tough to beat as they seek their first youth crown in three years.

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.

Click here to read a uefa.com interview with Violante

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. Adelino Freitas has been arguably the side's most impressive performer so far, with his silky right-wing skills. However midfield man Paulo Machado, with his muscular runs, tackling ability and willingness to get forward, has also been in superb form.

ROUTE TO THE FINALS:
QUALIFYING:
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.

FINAL TOURNAMENT:
An opening 3-2 win against Denmark in Group A set the exciting tone for the tournament (click here for report). A tough Austria team were then overcome 1-0 (click here) to secure top spot in the group and guarantee a semi-final place. A 2-0 win against Hungary then ensured maximum points from the group stage (click here). In the semi-finals the Portuguese needed a last-minute equaliser from substitute Saleiro to draw 2-2 with England before triumphing 3-2 on penalties (click here).

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