National cup

National Stadium
Spectators: 15921 (Terracing: 10000, Seating: 5448, VIP seats: 473) An unexpectedly hard shot by Inge Braa in the 3rd minute of play forced U21 Portugal's goalkeeper Benedito Mafra to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. In the 5th minute U21 Sweden were awarded a corner. Bennvar Björkänge went to the cornerflag to take it. The corner led U21 Sweden's Bennvar Björkänge to fire away a dangerous shot which Benedito Mafra despite some difficulties managed to get hold on the ball. Benedito Mafra stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Inge Braa's shot from short distance in the 6th minute. Christer Olsson made an important save on a dangerous shot by Mete Carne in the 10th minute. Christer Olsson showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Pedro Pauleta in the 15th minute of the match. An unexpectedly hard shot by Pedro Pauleta in the 15th minute of play forced U21 Sweden's goalkeeper Christer Olsson to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. The supporters of U21 Sweden booed when U21 Portugal was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 19 match minutes in a wonderful position. Adolfo Silva didn't get a good kick on the ball. When U21 Sweden's Inge Braa in the 21st minute got a chance for a shot 21st didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye U21 Portugal's goalie prevented a goal. Benedito Mafra stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Inge Braa's shot from short distance in the 22nd minute. Benedito Mafra made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Inge Braa in the 23rd minute of play. In the 25th minute the ball was on its way in behind U21 Portugal's goalkeeper Benedito Mafra, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. Inge Braa's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Benedito Mafra read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 30th minute of play. The crowd rose to their feet as U21 Portugal's Pedro Pauleta slotted home a wonderful shot that went in to the left of Christer Olsson. That made the score 1-0 after 31 minutes of play. 34 minutes into the match, U21 Sweden's goalkeeper Christer Olsson had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Pedro Pauleta. 35 minutes had been played when some careless play by U21 Sweden's defense caused the ball to cross the line for a corner. Nicolas Balsemão was slow to take the kick. During this time U21 Portugal's players had a chance to rest. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Pedro Pauleta in the 38th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Christer Olsson prevented the ball from getting in the gole. 40 minutes into the game, Inge Braa cracked a shot to the right of the goalkeeper, 1-1. Benedito Mafra was not in position, and could only watch the ball fly in. The throw-in from Fumo Alto in the 43rd minute of the game was unfortunally taken care of by U21 Sweden's Simon Thidén. Benedito Mafra made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Inge Braa in the 44th minute of play.

Both teams looked relatively alert before the second half when the referee blew his whistle to tell Inge Braa to make the kick off. The crowd rose to their feet as Inge Braa kicked a wonderful shot that went in to the left of a diving Benedito Mafra. That made the score 1-2 in the 57 minute of play. U21 Portugal's Carlos Campelo was substituted for Jordão Sesimbra. In the 61stth minute of the game Inge Braa who was perfectly placed tried to make a shot on goal, but U21 Portugal's Benedito Mafra was lucky and managed to grab hold of the ball. Bernt Söderström kicked well hit freekick during the 63rd minute of the match. U21 Sweden made a substitution. Hans Stigsson replaced Inge Braa. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Hans Stigsson in the 73rd minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Benedito Mafra prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Benedito Mafra made a fantastic save in the 75th minute, when Hans Stigsson sent off a good shot on target. Pedro Pauleta blasted a shot towards the goal in the 77th minute, but the shot hit the top of the crossbar and went out without Christer Olsson having to make a save. Christer Olsson showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Pedro Pauleta in the 77th minute of the match. The crowd rose to their feet as Hans Stigsson kicked a wonderful shot that went in to the left of a diving Benedito Mafra. That made the score 2-3 in the 83 minute of play. After some fancy dribbling in the 85th minute, Hans Stigsson managed to get in a good position for a shot. U21 Sweden's supporters rose to their feet, but Hans Stigsson was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Benedito Mafra breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Hans Stigsson scored 2-4 in the 87th match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Benedito Mafra, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot.

The away crowd were delighted with the way their team had played and cheered loudly when the final whistle sounded. U21 Sweden walked away with the win, even though the match was close until the end.