Spain U21 vs Portugal U21 Predictions

• Spain U21 are unbeaten in all 14 games from the start of the current cycle, conceding just two goals in 14 games.
• Portugal are undefeated in their last ten games, keeping clean sheets in six of them
• Spain drew 0-0 with Italy in March while Portugal beat the same opponents 5-3 AET on Monday.

Extra time looms for champions again 

Spain U21 continue their defence of the European Championship for the age category against a dangerous Portugal side in Slovenia on Thursday.

The champions have an unbelievable record in this tournament and have won 21 of their last 25 finals matches (drawn two, lost two) coming into this semi-final clash.

Luis de la Fuente’s side were much better than Croatia in Monday’s quarter-final win, but poor finishing and the late concession of a penalty meant they had to come through in extra time.

Those extra minutes could hamper them here or in the final, although de la Fuente might rotate several of his starters from Monday’s game if they are still feeling the effects.

Portugal enjoyed a dramatic extra-time win of their own against Italy, but that 5-3 win showed up as many flaws as it did pieces of individual brilliance.

Coach Rui Jorge selected an XI without a defensive midfielder, saying later that he thought his side played a good defensive game against the Azzurri.

That was open to question when Italy came back from 3-1 down to take the game into an additional 30 minutes, but Portugal were up against ten men by then and eventually secured their passage.

The Esperanças will need to be much more disciplined to get past their Iberian neighbours and we forecast a more defensive approach from them on Thursday.

Add in the potential for both sides to be fatigued and a draw looks likely – with the chance of a total stalemate also appealing at the price.