No mettle fatigue for Stojković

When skipper Vladimir Stojković says he won't be losing any sleep over tonight's match against Ukraine, it is not because he is taking his appearance in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-final lightly. Rather Stojković is a cool customer who is ready to grab an "amazing chance" to reach the final.

Not losing sleep
The 22-year-old, who has recently joined FC Nantes Atlantique from FK Crvena Zvezda, said of the occasion facing his team in Aveiro: "There is never a time when I don't sleep before a match but there will be some extra nerves. That's normal and both teams will experience the same. But once the game starts, the nerves will help the players put in that extra effort. This is an extraordinary chance for our team, an amazing chance to reach the final for the second time in as many championships."

'Opportunity to become a star'
Although Serbia and Montenegro's generation of 2004 lost their final, Stojković is desperate to experience the big stage and Sunday's showpiece in Porto. "This semi-final is an opportunity to show our quality and gives every player an opportunity to become a star."

'Keep focused'
Midfielder Miloš Krasić, like Stojković an ever-present in his side's three Group A games, also anticipates a few extra butterflies given the size of the task against Ukraine. "You need to channel these nerves positively and the key is to be fully focused once the referee blows his first whistle," the 21-year-old said. "Ukraine are a very strong team and we'll have to be at our best against them because there are only two ways we can go – to the final or home." And with a good night's rest already guaranteed, the latter is the less attractive option.