When Portugal and Sweden clashed in their Group B encounter earlier in the ongoing Euro U21 championship in Czech Republic, the game finished in a draw, 1-1. But when these two teams clash once again at Eden Stadium, Prague, a similar finish cannot be expected for they are playing in the finals of UEFA U21.
Only one team can walk away with the prestigious honour and the fate of which is going to be decided on Tuesday night.
Both teams walk into the final of the competition in buoyant mood after thrashing their respective semi-final opponents. Portugal defeated Germany 5-0, while Sweden thrashed Denmark 4-1. With such impressive performance, there is not much to choose between Portugal and Sweden.
In the group stages as well, Portugal and Sweden were an impressive unit after they came out of a tough group, which included Italy and England as well. The group matches were so tough that all the teams in the group finished with one win each.
Only Portugal have not lost a single game in the competition and will be eager to keep their form intact against Sweden in the finals of the competition.
Sweden coach Håkan Ericson feels that Portugal are favourites.
"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," UEFA official website quoted Ericson as saying.
"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."
Though Ericson might be trying to keep a low profile ahead of mega finals, Sweden's coach knows that his team is capable of defeating Portugal, if they play to their potential.
Portugal coach Rui Jorge feels both the teams are equally strong and considers this Euro U21 as the most important in his coaching career.
"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," said Jorge.
"This is the most important match for me so far as a coach: it's a final in a very important tournament. We've never won this trophy before, so to be one of the final coaches makes me very proud."
Where to Watch Live
The U21 Euro Final between Portugal and Sweden is scheduled for 8:45pm local time (12:15am IST, 7:45pm BST, 2:45pm ET) start. (There is no live coverage in India)
Viewers in the US can watch the game live on ESPN Network with live streaming on Watch ESPN, while viewers in the UK can watch it on BT Sport1.
Viewers in Portugal and Sweden can watch it live on RTP 1 and TV12 Sweden.
There is live coverage in UEFA official website as well.
International viewers, including those in India, can stream it live from UEFA official YouTube channel.
