Portugal beat Spain 1-0 in the 2021 European U21 Championship semi-final at Stadion Ljudski Vrt in Maribor. Rui Jorge’s side were second best for much of the contest, but defended resolutely and went ahead through a late own goal.

Fábio Vieira found some open space, surged forward and saw his cross deflected into the Spanish net by Jorge Cuenca. Portugal are aiming to win the tournament for the first time after being runners-up in 1994 and 2015.

We see it every year the Euros roll around. A young player makes their debut and then becomes the most talked-about star of the tournament. It’s thought this will be even more of the case at this year’s Euros as its postponement last summer has allowed teams to be composed of 26 players, rather than 23. This new rule means coaches (and sports bettors) can take a chance on players who are talented but less experienced.

In England, the media and bettors are looking at Phil Foden, a 20-year-old talent who has instilled so much optimism in his nation that England has outright Euro 2021 betting odds of 4/1. Bettors are also placing wagers on group stage matches, which begin on June 11. Still, England is not the only team with young stars forecasted to play a role in their country's race for the title. Portugal’s Euro squad is a top contender, too. And in Nuno Mendes, João Félix and Pedro Gonçalves the Seleção have three young players capable for making a huge statement at the tournament. 

Portugal’s Euro 2020 training camp continues apace at Cidade do Futebol, ten days before the tournament starts. There remain five absentees, given that Gonçalo Guedes, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo and Bernanrdo Silva are yet to link up with the squad.

This morning João Palhinha was the chosen player for the daily press conference, with the Sporting midfielder revealing he and fellow defensive midfielder Danilo have been training in a variety of positions, including centre-back. 

Portugal 5-3 Italy

Portugal beat Italy 5-3 in the European U21 Championship quarter-finals at Stadion Stožice in Ljubljana. Rui Jorge’s side led 2-0 through Dany Mota and were 3-1 up when Gonçalo Ramos scored in the 58th minute, but Italy fought back and equalised in the 89th minute to take it to extra time.

Jota and Francisco Conceição scored in the second period of extra time after the Azzurrini had been reduced to 10 men, Portugal prolonging their campaign in Slovenia where they will take on Spain in the semi-finals.