No room for error in Group B

Amid the classical surroundings of Caen's City Hall, the coaches of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia expressed the common view that qualifying from UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group B represented a huge challenge.

As a result of the senior team success at the FIFA World Cup, Spain's Luis Milla suggested his players might be feeling under more pressure to deliver a fifth title at this level. "[That victory in South Africa] is of course a motivation but it also tells the guys that playing for Spain generates certain expectations," the former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF player told UEFA.com. "Obviously the media and everyone in Spain are euphoric at the moment but there is also a question of not pressurising these young players too heavily."

La Roja have failed to advance past the group stage since their 2007 triumph in Austria and begin this year's version against debutants Croatia, a team Milla believes represent a serious threat. "Croatia played an exceptional qualifying phase and they are very dangerous," the 44-year-old said. "They have talent up front and are well organised defensively but we'll try to impose our style on the game."

Croatia arrived at the finals having won all six qualifying games. A seventh consecutive competitive triumph would certainly be welcomed by coach Ivica Grnja, although the former U21 assistant is taking a pragmatic approach. "Spain are one of the best teams in Europe at youth level," he explained. "We're planning not to lose and if we do that it will give us a much better chance of reaching the semi-finals and the [FIFA U-20] World Cup next year. We expect a tough game from opponents who play great football, but we'll try to show our best."

Portugal's Ilídio Vale, meanwhile, is attempting to plot his team's route to their first final since 2003 and said his players are in high spirits ahead of an enticing encounter with Italy. "We feel comfortable and morale in the camp is good," he said. "It's a defining moment for these players as to compete in a European Championship at this stage of your career is very important."

With both Portugal and first opponents Italy denied key players through suspension in the respective shape of Nuno Reis and Luca Tremolada – both who were ever present in qualifying – Vale, who admitted his side were "just as capable of finishing last as we are of winning the tournament," insists Portugal will remain true to their style throughout. "We know the dangers in each game but we will be trying to win all of them," he said.

Italy overcame Portugal in that 2003 final for their sole U19 success to date although coach Massimo Piscedda knows little about their opening opponents in Mondeville. "I have to admit I don't know this Portugal team very well," he said. "We did our homework but in the end you only learn about the quality of the opposition on the pitch; these teams change very quickly. We've prepared well which should bring dividends here in Normandy."