Winning goal drives Group B challengers

UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group B reaches an exciting conclusion on Saturday with the coaches of all four teams stating victory in their respective games is the desired result.

Having gained maximum points from their encounters with Croatia and Portugal, Spain have secured their passage to the last four as group winners but coach Luis Milla – who does without suspended defender Martín Montoya – is keen to keep the momentum going against Italy. "There will be some changes to the team but what we don't want is to stop the good run we're on," the former Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona midfielder told UEFA.com. "We are competing well and playing with intensity and we want to stick to our style. If we can win focusing on those principles then all the better."

With just one point from two matches, Italy know their last-four hopes depend solely on victory and coach Massimo Piscedda anticipates a keenly-fought contest in Flers. "I expect a fantastic game; it's like a final for us because the semis are at stake as is a place in next year's [FIFA U-20] World Cup for the top six finishers in the tournament." The Azzurrini are missing suspended pair Michelangelo Albertazzi and Marco D'Alessandro yet Piscedda believes those absences will not affect the performance of the 2003 winners: "We'll be in top condition to take on Spain and we're confident we'll put in a great performance."

Portugal, meanwhile, will strive to wrap up second spot, with a draw or better against Croatia in Bayeux enough to send Ilídio Vale's squad into the last four. With morale affected by Wednesday's late loss to Spain, the coach is hoping his side can recover their rhythm. "The guys are a little bit down after the defeat by Spain but we know a win in the next game will completely alter the mood in the camp," Vale said. "Croatia are a great team, a very robust team, and they are very strong at dead-ball situations. We hope we will continue to play at a high level and, as always, we'll be trying to win."

Croatia will look to draw on the form that got them to the finals with a record of six victories from six. Despite a defeat by Spain and a draw with Italy, a success against Portugal could still elevate the tournament debutants into second position. "We'll prepare the boys properly and we'll try to win but I cannot promise anything," coach Ivica Grnja said. "We'll try to get the players back to their best as they were very tired after the Italy match. Playing three games in a short space of time will take its toll on us physically."