London: Favourites Portugal crushed Germany 5-0 and underdogs Sweden thumped neighbours Denmark 4-1 on Saturday as both sides powered through to the Under-21 European Championship final in the Czech Republic. Rui Jorge’s Portugal, who had scored just two goals in three group matches, were in control from the start in Olomouc and netted three times in a 20-minute spell as they handed Germany their worst-ever defeat at Under-21 level.
The Germans, with World Cup winner Matthias Ginter and Champions League-winning keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in their lineup, were swept aside. Portugal captain Sergio Oliveira hit the post after 15 minutes but Bernardo Silva fared better in the 24th when he charged into the box and fired home. Ricardo doubled the lead 11 minutes later, turning the ball in at the far post as the powerful William Carvalho, on the transfer wish-list of several top European clubs, controlled the midfield area.
Ivan Cavaleiro made it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime and Portugal scored again a minute after the restart when a deflected effort from Joao Mario sent Ter Stegen the wrong way. Ricardo Horta completed the rout in the 71st minute, tapping in undisturbed from close range as the Germans were again caught napping. The second semifinal in Prague was between Denmark and a hard-working Sweden side who qualified from their group at the expense of England and Italy. The Swedes took the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute, John Guidetti converting a penalty after strike partner Isaac Kiese-Thelin was fouled.
