Sweden shock Portugal to win Under-21 European Championship on penalties

Sweden have won their first Under-21 European Championship, defeating Portugal on penalties in the Czech Republic.

Portugal, who entered the final as favourites after thrashing Germany in the semis, struggled to break down their stubborn opponents and paid the price from the spot, with William Carvalho missing the decisive penalty.

Sweden shot-stopper Patrik Carlgren guessed right to deny the Sporting CP midfielder, earning his side a 4-3 win.

Rui Jorge's side dominated possession for much of the match with Porto's Sergio Oliveira hitting the bar from a free kick just 10 minutes into the contest.

Sweden's Alexander Milosevic denied Joao Mario's goal-bound effort with a vital block while his side struggled to create an opening for themselves, although ex-Manchester City striker John Guidetti came close after volleying just wide from the edge of the box.

They did however finish the second half the stronger of the two sides with Portugal goalie Malheiro de Sá forced to dive across goal and deny Gueditti yet again from close range in the final five minutes.

The two sides also met in the group stages of the competition, where a 1-1 draw was enough to see them qualify at the expense of Italy and England.

With nothing to separate them again, it was decided on penalties with both sides missing one apiece before Carlgren's match-winning save.