Romão draws on spirit of success

By Tim Dykes in Mainz

José Romão has urged his Portuguese players to take encouragement from FC Porto's UEFA Champions League triumph ahead of their opening UEFA European Under-21 Championship match against Sweden on Friday.

'Psychological edge'
"Porto's victory is an example to follow," said the Portugal coach. "Their victories in Europe have been an inspiration and my players should have a psychological edge going into this tournament."

'Good feeling'
Ricardo Costa is one such player, having watched from the substitutes' bench as his Porto team-mates coasted to victory in Gelsenkirchen before being driven south to join up with Romão's party. "It was a long trip but it's a good feeling," said the centre-half. "I woke up this morning a happy man, but from now on I'm concentrating only on the U21 tournament. I want to add this trophy to the European [Champion Clubs'] Cup."

Moreira focus
Portugal may make inroads towards that quest on Friday if their 4-0 friendly victory against the Swedes in February is anything to go by. But Portuguese goalkeeper Moreira insisted that win would count for nothing in the Carl-Benz Stadium. "The circumstances are completely different," the SL Benfica shot-stopper said. "This is not a friendly match - and both sides want three points."

'Unfair example'
Sweden coach Torbjörn Nilsson, who cites Group B rivals Germany along with Italy as tournament favourites, echoed Moreira's sentiments. "That match was not really a fair example of our game. The season was not under way in Sweden and the players had not even begun training on grass – they were still playing on Astroturf. This game will be very different.

'Talented players'
"Our aim has always been to qualify for the Olympics and that is still the case, so we will need to get through this group. The players are in good spirits and focused. We've got some very talented players – Mikael Dorsin and Johan Elmander have already played for the senior side and our playmaker Andreas Johansson is one to look out for."

'Mental advantage'
Romão insisted he is prepared for whatever tactics the Swedes deploy. "We know the Swedish team very well," he said. "If we have ambition, discipline, order and trust, the team can beat any opponent. My players are optimistic but we must think exclusively about the group stage. A win would give us a mental advantage as well as three points."