Good evening! The European Under-21s Championship games to its conclusion this evening, with
Portugal Under-21s taking on
Sweden Under-21s for the trophy. Let's start with a look at the team news.
SWEDEN STARTING XI: Carlgren, Lindelof, Milosevic, Helander, Augustinsson, Lewicki, Hiljemark, Khalili, Tibbling, Guidetti, Kiese Thelin
PORTUGAL STARTING XI: Sa, Esgaio, Ilori, P Oliveira, Guerreiro, Carvalho, S Oliveira, Silva, Mario, Cavaleiro, Ricardo
So, Sweden are unchanged from the side that knocked Denmark out in the semi-finals. Simon Tibbling will be an interesting player to watch, as he is the only player to put a goal past
Jose Sa so far in this tournament.
For Portugal, there is one change from their 5-0 demolition of Germany in the last four. Tiago Ilori, who dropped out in the warmup last time out, is fit enough to return, taking the place of Tobias Figueiredo. That means that
Rui Jorge has named that same team that took on Sweden during the group stage, when they shared a 1-1 draw.
Regardless of tonight's result, there's going to be a new name on the trophy after this evening's match. Both nations have made the final of this competition before, but neither have come away with the silverware.
Ahead of this match, Sweden coach
Hakan Ericson told reporters: "They beat Germany 5-0 so of course they are favourites. But we also met them a week ago and drew 1-1. We know how to find space to create our chances, so hopefully we can do it again. We never make special plans for certain players. Instead we work together to try to minimise the space and to remain very compact. We have done this very well against other teams; by staying tight we hope to slow down the opposition. They have shown the best attacking play in this tournament and I've been very impressed with a couple of their players, who have a very high level of individual skill. If you look at the rankings, they have to be favourites."
Meanwhile, Portugal coach
Rui Jorge said in his pre-match press conference: "The team are very well, they are focused and fully motivated. I believe Sweden think the same as us. They are a very strong team, and so are we. We have shown we're a strong team, but I'm sure that they think the same. To be here at this stage of the tournament you have to have a lot of quality. Both teams have shown that, so we'll see just have to see how it goes. It's very rewarding for me to be able to work with these players, mainly because of their spirit. More important than the individuals is the collective side of the team."
Sweden have had some impressive travelling support at this tournament, and the yellow shirts are already starting to stand out at the stadium in Prague:
Both of these two sides came through the same group, with England and Italy missing out from Group B. Sweden initially looked like they were going to miss out after conceding late on against Portugal in their final group match, but they equalised in stoppage time, ensuring that they reached the knockout stage ahead of Italy. Portugal proved their defensive talent in the groups, but showed that they are an attacking force too with their thrashing of Germany in the semis.
Portugal's
Bernardo Silva has been named as many pundits' player of the tournament ahead of this match. The winger has used his stunning pace and eye for goal to great effect, but was kept quiet during last week's draw with Sweden.
Silva also gave a press conference ahead of kickoff, where he told the media: "When you're a little kid you dream about playing these matches. It's a very important competition and it's a landmark for any player to win such a tournament. We are expecting support from all of Portugal."
Striker
John Guidetti, who spent the last season on loan with Celtic, was put forward for media duty for Sweden, and he said: "I don't think many of us will have the chance to play in a European final again. We're going to go out there to cherish the moment and be so proud that we can represent our country in such a great game."
This will be the eighth time that Portugal and Sweden's Under-21s sides have faced each other. Portugal have won twice, and Sweden have won three of their previous meetings, while just two have ended in draws.
Here's Portugal going through their warmups a little earlier:
The players are in the tunnel ready to make their way out. There are plenty of fans from both nations filling the stadium, so it should be quite a reception for both teams when they head out in a few moments.
PREDICTION! With kickoff imminent, there's just time for a quick prediction. Finals are notoriously tricky to predict, but Portugal start as favourites thanks to their emphatic performance in their semi-final against Germany. If Portugal can replicate that performance, it's hard to see Sweden coming away with the trophy, but they did keep Portugal quiet for much of the group meeting. However, I'm still going for Portugal to win 3-1 this evening.
The anthems take place before kickoff. The reception for Sweden's anthem is sensational, they've really got numbers behind them in Prague tonight. Could that prove the difference if it's a close contest?
KICKOFF! Portugal get the action underway!
Portugal waste no time getting on the attack as Silva crosses the ball in for Carvalho, who can't get his shot away. Joao Mario does manage to create himself enough space to have a go, but Helander is in the right place to block it.
CHANCE! Portugal are so close to an early goal as Guerreiro squares it to Ricardo Pereira on the edge of the box. The striker control it before driving it towards the bottom left corner, but it finishes just millimetres wide of the post.
Portugal have settled so quickly, allowing Silva and Cavaleiro to link up down the left, before the latter provided a cross to Sergio Oliveira, but the captain is fouled, giving Portugal a free kick right on the edge of the box.
OFF THE CROSSBAR! Sergio Oliviera is denied by the woodwork as the midfielder curls the ball around the wall from the free kick, and appears to have the keeper beaten, only to see his effort come back of the bar.
Portugal are continuing to dominate the play through the middle, and manage to force another corner when Lindelof turns a Silva ball into the box behind. Silva is there to curl it back in, but it comes to nothing.
CHANCE! Jose Sa is called upon for the first time this evening as Isaac Kiese Thelin gets on the end of a long ball forward before attempting to head it past the Portugal keeper, but Sa is able to claim it.
CHANCE! Portugal quickly make their way back down the other end, looking to catch Sweden out with a quick break. Ricardo sees his shot blocked by Helander though, while Mario blasts the rebound well high of the crossbar, much the amusement of the large crowd of fans in Swedish yellow behind the goal.
Helander is certainly keeping himself busy as the Sweden centre-back makes yet another clearance, stopping Ricardo getting on the end of a curling ball into the box from Oliveira.
Patrik Carlgren hasn't kept a clean sheet for Sweden yet in this tournament, so he'll likely be grateful if his defenders can keep him quiet this evening.
PENALTY APPEAL! There's all sorts going on in Portugal's penalty area as Augustinsson gets forward on a quick attack, curling the ball in to Thelin. He almost gets a chance when Ilori fails to clear, but it's a deflection off Guerreiro which really catches Sweden's eye, as they think that he used his arm to control the ball, but it looked like ball to hand rather than a deliberate act, and the referee waves play on.
Portugal have had more chances and possession so far, but Sweden have started to get forward a bit more in the last five minutes, and certainly look capable of creating something on the counter-attack.
Guerreiro bursts through the middle for Portugal with a quick break before passing out wide to Cavaleiro. The midfielder tries to get the cross in towards Silva, but Helander is ready again to make the clearance.
CHANCE! Sweden head straight back down the other end, resulting in Tibbling getting his shot away after collecting a through-ball from Lewicki, but his finish is straight at Sa.
The Swedish fans are really starting to get behind their players are they start to sense that Sweden can cause some problems on the break. Silva and Oliveira try to get back on the offensive for Portugal, but Sweden are well-organised at the back and quickly deal with the threat.
For the first time this evening, Sweden are starting to enjoy a solid spell of possession, with Helander playing the ball out from the back before Hiljemark and Lewicki try to find a way through the middle. Tibbling and Thelin have had a couple of touches around the Portugal penalty area, but
John Guidetti has been practically anonymous so far.
Alexander Milosevic draws the attention of the referee for a late challenge on Guerreiro, which gives the Portuguese side a free kick in a dangerous spot.
CHANCE! Sergio Oliveiro is on set piece duty again, but Carlgren is aware of the danger this time, and manage to claim it as the captain looks for the top left again.
John Guidetti finally managed to get himself into a decent position as Sweden continue to look for openings on the counter-attack, but Tibbling's low cross is easily dealt with by Sa.
Raphael Guerreiro sends a shot harmlessly wide for Portugal, but that allows Sweden to exploit the space at the back with a quick charge down the other end, but Khalili's finish is nothing for Sa to worry about.
Silva's feet are a blur as he weaves his way towards the penalty area before slotting the ball in towards Carlvalho, but the midfielder's first touch is poor, allowing the ball to go behind for a goal kick.
HALF TIME: Sweden Under-21s 0-0 Portugal Under-21s
So, Portugal made a bright start, rattling the crossbar early on and created numerous chances, but a solid defensive display has kept Sweden in the match, and they've shown a few flashes of brilliance on the counter-attack too. It's finely-poised going into the final 45 minutes of this tournament, unless extra time and penalties are necessary of course!
Portugal dominated the possession in the opening 45 minutes, with 63%. They also had eight shots to Sweden's three, but it's Sweden who have had more efforts on target with two to Portugal's one.
Bernardo Silva has had a busy 45 minutes, using his pace to create spaces down both flanks and creating some confusion in the box. Oscar Lewicki and Filip Helander have been marking him closely though, ensuring that he hasn't created or scored the opening goal yet.
© Getty Images
When Sweden started to see more of the ball, their fans really came to life. This lot could make the difference if it's still level in the final stages:
The players are starting to head back out ready for the start of the second half. Both sides have players that could make a difference on the bench, and it looks like Sweden are making a change.
SUB! Joseph Baffo is replacing Filip Helander. The centre-back didn't appear to be injured in the first half, but he played well, so there must be an injury. Baffo is a more than capable replacement though.
RESTART! Sweden get the action back underway.
Esgaio comes forward to help Silva try to get forward and create something for Portugal, but Lewicki manages to break the move up with a challenge on Guerreiro. It's been largely Portugal on the ball since the restart, but Carlgren hasn't seen anything to trouble him yet.
CHANCE! The first chance of the second half falls to Sweden as Lindelof finds himself in space in the box, leaving him to try to head in from a Tibbling delivery, but Sa is ready. With a couple of defenders being forward though, Portugal quickly charge back down the other end looking to make the most of some space at the back, forcing a corner, but Carlgren is on hand to claim it.
CHANCE! John Guidetti finally gets the ball in the box as Thelin knocks the ball into his strike partner's path, but the former Celtic man's volley is just over.
CHANCE! Sergio Oliveira tries his look with a swerving, dipping effort from 30 yards, but it looked like Carlgren had to covered had it not drifted just wide.
SUB! And that will be the Portugal captain's last contribution as he makes way for
Toze.
Portugal are still dominating the possession since the restart, with Cavaleiro trying to control a high ball forward into the box, but Baffo is there, forcing him to put it behind.
SUB! Ivan Cavaleiro is the second Portugal player to be replaced, making way for Iuri Medeiros.
CHANCE! Toze has been quite quiet since coming on for the Portugal captain, but he unleashes a rocket from just outside the box, forcing a diving save from Carlgren, who does well to keep it out.
CHANCE! Iuri Medeiros could not get any closer without scoring as he curls the ball in from the right-hand side of the box, leaving the ball to roll a fraction wide of the left post.
SUB! It's a second change for Sweden as Robin Quaison takes the place of Simon Tibbling.
Toze is really starting to have an impact, forcing Baffo to turn the ball behind for a corner, but it's easily dealt with by the excellent Swedish defence. Incidentally, Sweden are still waiting for their first corner of the night.
SUB! Goncalo Paciencia is coming on for the final 20 minutes, taking the place of Ricardo up front.
Portugal still look the more likely as Bernardo Silva makes a speedy charge down the left flank before crossing in towards Paciencia, but Milosevic ensures that Carlgren is spared. The defenders have given the Sweden keeper a fairly easy evening so far. Meanwhile, it looks like Silva is limping a little. It may just be that he's tired himself out with that run, but it would be a worry for the Portuguese side to lose him, particularly is there is to be extra time.
CHANCE! Sweden finally manage to force their first corner of the game, which Khalili curls in towards Lewicki, but the midfielder heads it wide at the far post.
John Guidetti lunges in to try to get to a loose ball in the box, but Jose Sa gets to it first. It's brave goalkeeping by the Portuguese as he gets the ball, but also gets the right foot of the Sweden striker in his chin. He's done his job though, and gets a free kick for his troubles.
CHANCE! Guerreiro brings the ball out from the back, dodging a tackle from Augustinsson to try a low strike, but Carlgren has it covered at the near post.
CHANCE! Sweden have a lot more confidence in their attacking play as the final 10 minutes approaches, and Portugal are living rather dangerously at the back. Augustinsson gets forward, crossing the ball in from the right for Guidetti, but the striker gets himself in a tangle trying to turn on goal, giving Ilori time to close him down and get the ball away.
Portugal look a bit stuck for ideas as extra time looms. They may be right to be worried, as Sweden have scored four of their seven goals in this tournament after the 83rd minute.
CHANCE! Joao Maria dodges a couple of defenders to create himself some space 20 yards from goal, but his finish is poor, and ends up in the stand behind the goal.
CHANCE! Oh my word, Portugal are living dangerously as Sa's fingertips keep them on level terms with just a couple of minutes to go. Khalili crosses the ball in to Guidetti, who has plenty of room to try to slot it into the bottom left corner, but the keeper gets the slightest of touches to keep it out. Thelin tries to force it in on the rebound but Portugal recover to clear it.
Sweden are still confidently passing the ball around the back as they continue to look for a late winner. Portugal have had more chances throughout the 90 minutes, but it's Sweden who have threatened most in the last five minutes.
CHANCE! If Portugal win the trophy tonight, they will certainly have Sa to thank for keeping them in it at the moment as he has to make another save. Guidetti is through, but spots Thelin in a stronger position to his right, so squares it to his strike partner, but that allows Sa to pounce on it.
Portugal force a corner as the match heads into two minutes o stoppage time, but Ilori can only head it well wide of the left post.
FULL TIME: Sweden Under-21s 0-0 Portugal Under-21s
There were meant to be two minutes of stoppage time, but after just 90 seconds the referee has seen enough and blows the full-time whistle, confirming that there will be another 30 minutes of the European Under-21 Championship final. It's been an interesting match-up between these two teams, with Sweden coming more into the match the longer it went on. Portugal should benefit from a couple of minutes with their coach and the knowledge that they've got a bit more time to create something, but Sweden will relish the task of extra time too.
After 90 minutes, Portugal have had 18 shots, just two on target, while three of Sweden's seven efforts have tested Jose Sa, but the keeper has been excellent.
RESTART! Portugal get extra time under way in Prague.
Just a reminder, Sweden have only used two of their three substitutions, so have the option to introduce some fresh legs, while Portugal, who already look weary, have used all three already.
Toze and Esgaio link up on the edge of the box in a bid to set up Medeiros for a shot, but the striker fouls Lewicki while trying to get into position for a shot, handing the ball back to Sweden.
CHANCE! A lovely ball in from Hiljemark leaves Khalili trying to slice the ball in under Sa, and he appears to have the keeper beaten, but the ball is just wide of the post.
CHANCE! Portugal manage to make their way back down the other end, resulting in Paciencia trying to drill the ball in low from the edge of the box, but his finish lacks power, leaving Carlgren with an easy take.
CHANCE! Sweden have a free kick in a dangerous position as Ilori trips Guidetti around 25 yards out, leaving the striker to blast the ball towards goal, but ball does not quite dip enough.
CHANCE! Sweden have been relentless during this additional spell, and they're bearing down on the Portugal goal again as Lindelof and Thelin eventually get the ball to Khalili, who goes for another curling effort to to right corner, but this time he doesn't come quite as close, curling it behind.
EXTRA TIME HALF TIME: Sweden Under-21s 0-0 Portugal Under-21s
It's still all to play for for bot sides as the deadlock remains midway through extra time. Sweden have been by far the more likely since full time, with John Guidetti and Adbul Khalili both proving a threat, but as things stand it could be going to penalties.
RESTART! Sweden get the final 15 minutes underway.
CHANCE! Toze floats the ball in towards Paciencia. Carlgren comes off his line and deals with the ball in, but there's a crunching collision between the keeper and the Portugal striker, and he needs medical attention.
Lindelof shows off to superb footwork skills to lose Toze before rounding Ilori, but Carvalho is there to make sure he doesn't get the ball into the box.
BOOKING! Joseph Baffo is booked for shoving Medeiros down right on the edge of the box, which gives Portugal a free kick in a dangerous position.
Poor Carlgren has taken another heavy collision as he and Paciencia both go for a high ball. While it was surely accidental, Portugal don't look too concerned that they've roughed the keeper up a bit with a penalty shootout looming.
BOOKING! The referee is having to get a bit more involved as Toze's shirt is tugged by Victor Lindelof, earning the defender a yellow card.
Portugal have the ball again as they try to find a late winner. Esgaio is one of their liveliest players on the pitch, and he uses a sudden burst of pace to charge through the middle and set up Paciencia, but he can only fire wide. Portugal wanted a corner, claiming that Milosevic had touched it last, and the replays appear to back them up, but the referee gives a Sweden goal kick.
EXTRA TIME FULL TIME: Sweden Under-21s 0-0 Portugal Under-21s
So, after 120 minutes, no-one has found the back of the net, so the match and tournament will be decided by a penalty shootout.
There are contrasting scenes as the players make their way to the sideline to talk with their coaches. Sweden are on their feet, taking on fluid and looking ready to go, while most of Portugal are lying on the pitch receiving rub downs and treatment for cramp.
The keepers are going to be crucial in the next few minutes. Jose Sa as been excellent throughout the tournament, and will surely fancy his chances of making a save or two. Carlgren has pulled off some good stops too, but might still be feeling the effects of a couple of heavy collisions late on in extra time.
Sweden have won the toss, and will be taking the spot kicks in front of the mass of Swedish supporters gathered behind one of the goals. That will surely be a huge help.
Right then, it's Sweden to take first...
Sweden 1-0 Portugal. John Guidetti rifles it into the roof of the net.
Sweden 1-1 Portugal Goncalo Paciencia picks out the bottom left to keep it level.
Sweden 2-1 Portugal Isaac Kiese Thelin confidently makes it two from two for Sweden.
Sweden 2-2 Portugal Toze hits the bar, but it goes in off the underside of the crossbar to keep Portugal level
Sweden 3-2 Portugal Ludwig Augustinsson expertly smashes it into the roof of the net.
Sweden 3-2 Portugal It's a save from Carlgren to deny Ricardo Esgaio, who is a specialist penalty taker! That could be a huge moment for Sweden!
Sweden 3-2 Portugal It's an awful spot kick of Abdul Khalili, stuttering on his run up before weakly hitting it straight at Sa.
Sweden 3-3 Portugal Joao Maria is as cool as you like, strolling up to the ball before launching it into the left hand side of the net.
Sweden 4-3 Portugal Victor Lindelof keeps the pressure on Portugal with a penalty right down the middle.
Sweden 4-3 Portugal Carlgren has saved
William Carvalho effort, and that hands Sweden the win!
SWEDEN ARE EUROPEAN UNDER-21 CHAMPIONS!
There are jubilant scenes as Patrik Carlgren is mobbed by teammate for making two saves in the penalty shootout, handing Sweden their first youth title. The team go to celebrate in front of the huge crowd of Sweden supporters, with Hiljemark and Khalili leading the celebrations.
By contrast,
William Carvalho looks devastated as he is consoled by his teammates. Jose Sa is also crouched down with his head in his hands, while unused sub Ruben Neves is in tears. They dominated the first half, but couldn't maintain their intensity to force the win.
Here are the rather happy Sweden fans being applauded by their players:
Well, that's all from this match, but have a read of our
match report, and stick around for reaction. Thanks for joining me this evening. Goodbye.