Liechtenstein need luck on their side

Royal audience
Portugal have reached the final of this tournament six times in the last 15 years - winning it twice in its former guise as the Under-18 Championship. For the hosts, however, it is their first time in the finals. Hereditary Prince Alois, heir to the House of Liechtenstein, will be in attendance for a match for which the Liechtenstein team have been preparing since January.

David versus Goliath
In his welcome message, the Liechtenstein Football Association president, Reinhard Walser, said: "The young Liechtenstein team and their coach, Ralf Loose, know that they are obvious underdogs. But they are prepared to face the big lads, just like David confronted Goliath."

Dinis warning
Whether they can actually slay a giant is another matter, of course. This is a young Liechtenstein team and their German coach, Loose, admitted: "We're going to need some luck." However, his Portugal counterpart, Carlos Dinis, warned against taking anything for granted when he said before arriving here: "We have to be cautious against Liechtenstein. It's a very important fixture because it is the opening match, we cannot underestimate them - that would be dangerous."

Italy confident
Portugal have the pedigree to go far in this tournament and their likely rivals for a place in the last four will be Norway and Italy who meet in the day's other Group A match in Balzers, kicking off at 18.30CET. Italy won all six of their qualifying matches and coach Paolo Berrettini spoke confidently about their prospects before the tournament.

'Go all the way'
"I am convinced we are a very good team," he said. "I have been coaching these players for four years now and we have won everywhere. I know the limits and the qualities of my players: this is why I can say with confidence that we can go all the way in this tournament."

Historical omen
Today should provide some clues as to whether his players can fulfil those expectations. Those looking for omens may want to know that in 1998 these four teams shared a group in the UEFA European Under-16 Championship, Liechtenstein's only previous appearance in a final tournament. Then Italy finished top and Liechtenstein bottom.