Veloso takes step up in his stride

Big matches are coming thick and fast for Portugal Under-21 defender Miguel Veloso. Not content with breaking into Sporting Clube de Portugal's first team this season, the 20-year-old has also enjoyed an inaugural taste of the UEFA Champions League.

'Must win'
Now he is setting his sights on the UEFA European U21 Championship finals with only a play-off against Russia standing between his side and a place in next summer's tournament in the Netherlands. "We have to win the first match in Russia to make things easier in the second leg at home," said Veloso, who has played at left-back for the U21s despite featuring as a defensive midfielder or central defender for his club.

Final chance
Veloso was part of the Portugal team that won the UEFA European U17 Championship on home soil in 2003 and he has progressed steadily since. He is now a regular with Sporting after spending last term on loan at third-division CD Olivais e Moscavide, and a series of impressive performances prompted his first call-up to the U21 squad for September's qualifying round. Wins against Latvia and Poland clinched a play-off place and a shot at the finals.

'Do our best'
"We will do our best but it's not going to be easy," said Veloso, who knows a bit about Russian football having helped Sporting secure a 1-1 draw at FC Spartak Moskva in last week's UEFA Champions League tie. "We have to play a very solid game and play as a unit. I'm looking forward to playing in the [UEFA] European Championship. It is any player's dream to play in such a competition."

'Equal chances'
Portugal disappointed when they hosted this summer's tournament, bowing out at the group stage - despite a perfect return of ten wins from ten games in qualifying, including two victories against Russia. Gil Vicente FC defender João Pereira insists his side are expecting more success in Moscow on Friday.

'Main goal'
"Both teams have equal chances," the 22-year-old right-back said. "Russia are a very strong team, at least judging by the side we faced in qualifying last time. We want a good result in Moscow - we don't usually play for a draw, and teams that do end up losing. Our squad is very strong and we are very focused on this game. We're ready to qualify - that's our goal."