Oliveira states hosts' hopes

Perfect record
Portugal were the only team to win all ten qualifying group games, and then showed their steel by twice coming from behind in their 3-2 aggregate play-off victory against Switzerland. However, the coach is staying cautious.

'Outstanding'
"I think we were outstanding both in our qualifying group and in the play-offs," he said. "We had to play very good teams and came out smiling, which says everything about how good we really are. However, the final tournament of a European Championship is something completely different, and so is the standard of opposition we'll have to face."

Youth honours
Oliveira coached his former club SC Braga before joining the Portuguese Football Federation in 1989. He assisted Carlos Queiroz in winning the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship and two UEFA European Under-18 Championship finals before taking over the U21s in 1999. Appointed caretaker coach of the senior squad after the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Oliveira then assisted Luiz Felipe Scolari at UEFA EURO 2004™ before returning to the U21s last year.

Fans' help
So can he top the achievements of 2004? "It would be a very significant achievement if we could do that, but we are focusing mainly on just doing our best," Oliveira said. "We will have to raise our game, but we are confident that the Portuguese fans will help us to reach our objective."

'Tough group'
To become the only hosts to win the U21 tournament since it became a one-venue event in 1994, Portugal must first get past France, Serbia and Montenegro, and Germany in Group A. "We are in a tough group but then again, I think it would have made no difference if we were drawn in the other group because it is always going to be difficult at this stage," the 59-year-old said. "We will have to do our best against strong opponents but we are confident, especially because we are playing at home."

Close fight
Nonetheless, it will be a close fight. "Italy and France are traditionally the teams to follow," Oliveira said. "But I think every side at the tournament has a shot at the title, because they are all evenly-matched."

Individual talents
Portugal teams are often lauded for their individual talent, especially in underage competitions, and Oliveira agrees this is where the squad's strengths lie. "I suppose we are not very strong collectively, but we do have several fantastic players," he said, not naming any individuals. "We are still growing as a team and I believe the quality of our players will make the difference."

'Opportunity'
It is in moulding those talents into all-round footballers that such a championship comes into its own. Oliveira explained: "It is very important because a player can develop faster, both technically and mentally, if he has the opportunity to face a huge challenge like this one. It would be even better if players could have a tournament like this every year of their careers."