Deserved encore for unlucky duo

Extreme disappointment
Both sides suffered extreme disappointment in Wednesday's semi-finals. Austria, deprived of two key defenders through suspension, found themselves 4-0 down against Spain at half-time and staring humiliation in the face, before rallying superbly in the second half and ultimately losing 5-2. Meanwhile England suffered the agony of a 3-2 penalty shoot-out defeat against Portugal after an injury-time equaliser by Saleiro drew the hosts level at 2-2 just as John Peacock's side looked certain to reach the final.

Coaches seek to rouse teams
How both coaches rouse their sides after their respective defeats is likely to prove key to the outcome of Saturday's game. "We have [two] days to try and recover," said England coach Peacock. "They'll be back on Saturday and will perform to the very high standard that you have seen."

Peacock optimistic
Peacock is also optimistic about the future of English football in general. "I think the structure's right," he said. "We get more access time with the players and think that's shown with the quality of players coming into the Premiership and more importantly the quality is a little more in depth regards international football and international experience. Things have certainly been on the up in the past four or five years in particular."

Austrian boost
Austria coach Ernst Weber also feels that his side's results have boosted football in his homeland. "I think it will act as a big motivation to everyone who is working in Austrian football," he said. "We are co-hosting [UEFA] EURO 2008 (with Switzerland) and I hope some players from this team will play in that."

Changes expected
Both teams are likely to make several changes to their semi-final sides, with Austria able to welcome back defenders Andreas Dober and Andreas Schicker and forward Patrick Mayer from suspension, while England will be without Martin Cranie after the Southampton FC defender picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Portugal.

Player tiredness
The sides also have player tiredness to consider after four games in ten days. One player hoping he will not be rested is England's James Milner who, with three goals in the tournament so far, can still entertain outside hopes of finishing as the tournament's top scorer.