Portuguese living the dream

Mood in the camp
Portugal face Austria in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-final on Wednesday aiming to emulate their Under-17 counterparts, who were crowned European champions in May. And after coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Norway on Sunday and ensure their progress, the mood in the camp could not be better.

Looking ahead
"The spirit in the camp is higher than ever," said striker Paulo Sérgio, the two-goal hero against Norway. "We know it wasn't an easy game but we've reached our target of a place in the semi-finals. Now we have to look ahead to the Austria game and try to reach the final."

Wide striker
Paulo Sérgio plays as one of the wide strikers in Portugal's 4-3-3 lineup and has caught the eye with his speed and capacity to unnerve defences with his direct running. He is presently the tournament's joint-top scorer with three goals. "I'm a normal player, I have technique and speed," he said.

'Comfortable on either side'
"I usually play out wide, for the national team and my club. I am comfortable on either side." His club are Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he should step up from youth to B team in the coming season.

Powerfully built
The most experienced player in the squad is the powerfully-built striker Hugo Almeida, a scorer in the opening game against Liechtenstein. Now back at FC Porto, he spent last season on loan at UD Leiria in the Portuguese Super Liga where he struck three goals.

'Good in the air'
"I became more mature, more experienced from playing with older, more experienced players and it was very positive for me," he said. In 2003/04, he will take his place in Porto's squad in the UEFA Champions League. "I hope to have a chance in the team and take it," he said. Hugo Almeida models his game on Christian Vieri. "I'm good in the air, I have a good shot, I'm physically strong, and I enjoy scoring goals."

Imposing figure
The Portugal captain, Daniel, is another of the more imposing figures in the team. Playing here at left-back, he is a defensive midfield player with Boavista FC and will spend the coming campaign on loan at Grupo Desportivo de Chaves in the second division. "A good left foot, decent physique and good vision" are the attributes he attaches to himself and his left foot provided a fine goal in the 1-1 draw with Italy.

'Great to be involved'
He is also the only player here from the Portugal side which won the UEFA European Under-16 Championship in 2000. He should return from injury for the semi-final and said: "It's a great feeling to be involved. It's my second European championship and it would be fantastic if we could win it, but it's going to be very difficult."