Mavuba wants flying start for France

France captain Antonio Mavuba has rallied his team-mates before their opening-day showdown with hosts Portugal at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Quaresma warning
Mavuba is well aware of the challenge posed by the hosts, in particular star man Ricardo Quaresma, and is clear that France must make a good start in Braga. "They are a strong team, a complete team," he said. "The first match is the most important, everything else depends on it. Quaresma is best known, but it's the team as a whole we're most concerned of. There will be a good crowd and a passionate atmosphere, but we just have to do what we normally do and play to our strengths."

Injury concerns
Injuries have hampered preparations, and France are also without talisman Franck Ribéry, but the 22-year-old Mavuba is confident his side have the strength in depth to prosper. "We miss those players, but we're a group of 40 who have come in and out during qualifying so we can count on everyone. I have no worries about that. Of course we'll miss Frank but we have other elements as well. What is most important is the group. The tournament is open. We want to go to the end and be champions of Europe."