Derbies to decide semi-final berths

All four teams in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group A go into Monday's matches knowing mathematically at least they could go through or that their time in Liechtenstein might end. And those decisive matches have a 'derby' feel – Spain against Portugal at Vaduz's Rheinpark Stadium and the meeting of France and Switzerland at Sportpark Eschen-Mauren.

After two wins Spain are three points clear of France and Portugal, with Switzerland a further three adrift. A draw would give Spain first place but they would be through even with a one-goal defeat, while if Portugal win by two or more their progress is assured. France currently have a head-to-head advantage over Portugal thanks to their 1-0 win on Friday but point-less Switzerland need a five-goal victory as well as a Portugal loss to go into Thursday's semis.

Spain have top scored in the tournament with six goals – four from striker Paco alone – but coach Ginés Meléndez had an ominous warning for Portugal. "I think there is still more to come from us," Meléndez said. "It is difficult because the players are still very young so one day they can be very good like this and then the next not so good. This is the work of a whole team – everyone brings a little piece to it to keep the players motivated and all the players think about the team and not themselves."

They know their opponents well, having faced Portugal twice in December, Spain winning 3-0 but then losing 4-1 two days later. Rui Bento's side may need a repeat of that latter performance after their reverse against nine-man France, but the coach promised: "We will be stronger against Spain and try to win that match."

Despite holding second place, France's destiny is not in their own hands, though a draw would suffice if Portugal fail to win. However, France have three players suspended as substitutes Billel Omrani and Vincent Leroux were sent off against Portugal and right-back Youssouf Sabaly received his second finals booking, though defender Wesley Yamnaine returns from a ban.

Coach Guy Ferrier admits the win against Portugal took its toll. "We put in a lot of effort and I don't know how the players will recover for the third game, how they will react," he said. "Switzerland don't want to go back with three defeats so it will be very difficult. There is a lot of work to do."

Switzerland have mainly pride to play for following a finals campaign in which they have been restricted by injury and suspension – midfielder Nico Zwimpfer is indeed banned against France. "For the players it has been a very important time in Liechtenstein and now they have to learn," coach Heinz Moser said. "They have seen how strong the other players are and now need to learn how to have the quality of the other top players in Europe. They are very disappointed players, as well as a very disappointed coach."