Sweden's Oscar Hiljemark raises the trophy. Petr David Josek
Petr David Josek
SWEDEN UPSET THE odds to beat Portugal 4-3 on penalties after the final of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship ended goalless.
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The sides shared a 1-1 draw when they met in the group stage six days ago and there was nothing to separate them once more at Prague’s Eden Arena.
Portugal thrashed Germany 5-0 in their semi-final and began with predictable confidence, Sergio Oliveira hitting the crossbar.
But Rui Jorge watched his team’s early verve fade and John Guidetti went close to snatching victory for Sweden within 90 minutes.
Extra-time also failed to produce a winner, leaving AIK goalkeeper Patrik Carlgren to take centre stage.
He sprung to his left and kept out Portugal’s third kick from Ricardo Esgaio and, after Sweden midfielder Abdul Khalili paid for an ill-advised staggered run-up, highly touted Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho saw his tame attempt thwarted by Carlgren.
Sweden upset the odds to be crowned U21 European champions after dramatic shootout
SWEDEN UPSET THE odds to beat Portugal 4-3 on penalties after the final of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship ended goalless.
The sides shared a 1-1 draw when they met in the group stage six days ago and there was nothing to separate them once more at Prague’s Eden Arena.
Portugal thrashed Germany 5-0 in their semi-final and began with predictable confidence, Sergio Oliveira hitting the crossbar.
But Rui Jorge watched his team’s early verve fade and John Guidetti went close to snatching victory for Sweden within 90 minutes.
Extra-time also failed to produce a winner, leaving AIK goalkeeper Patrik Carlgren to take centre stage.
He sprung to his left and kept out Portugal’s third kick from Ricardo Esgaio and, after Sweden midfielder Abdul Khalili paid for an ill-advised staggered run-up, highly touted Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho saw his tame attempt thwarted by Carlgren.
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Portugal Sweden U21s European Championships Unlikely winners