Sweden beat Portugal on penalties after a 0-0 draw to win the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship on Tuesday, their first ever victory in a UEFA youth competition.

Portugal dominated the game throughout, but were frustrated by Sweden's defensive style, sending the affair to extra time. No winner could be found there, allowing goalkeeper Patrik Carlgren to become the hero, saving William Carvalho's decisive penalty.

Portugal make all the early running

The Portugese youngsters made much the better start, with Ricardo the first to register an effort, hitting the ball into the side netting from close range.

Captain Sergio Oliviera came much closer soon after, as the midfielder's curling free-kick cannoned back off the crossbar, a set-piece that Carvalho won cleverly in a central area.

Alexander Milosevic, back in action after an early tournament suspension, blocked Joao Mario's shot, after the forward latched onto Ricardo Esgaio's cross.

Better from the Swedes

With their backs to the wall, Sweden eventually got going in the first half and managed to pose a threat to the opposition defence by creating a couple of chances.

Target man Isaac Kiese Thelin rose high to meet Abdullah Khalili's effort at the back post, but his header was saved by Portugal goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Simon Tibbling, scorer of goals in Sweden's previous two games, and went close again with a long range strike, which eventually proved to be too high.

Second half

The second period started as the first had ended, with both sides going for goal in a flurry of end to end action.

Kiese Thelin was at the heart of Sweden's attacks again, laying the ball off for partner John Guidetti, whose acrobatic volley flew narrowly over the bar.

At the other end, Oliviera went close from range, firing a shot just wide of Carlgren's goal. He was providing to be the heartbeat of his side going forward, as the Swedes stifled star man Bernardo Silva.

With Sweden backing off, Toze had two efforts for Portugal that skidded just wide, sandwiched by substitute Iuri Medeiros threatening with a curled shot.

However, Portugal were made to panick late on in the game, as Guidetti almost stole the show for Sweden. Jinking through a number of defenders, the former Manchester City striker got his shot off at goal, only for Sa to make an excellent one handed save.

Extra time

With the deadlock not yet broken at the end of 90 minutes, the final was forced in 30 minutes of extra time.

Having been unable to break Sweden down in normal time, Portugal grew frustrated and became sloppy, gifting chances away.

Khalili swept a shot wide of the post, whilst Guidetti again threatened, hammering a free kick over the crossbar.

Goncalo Paciencia, who had scored against Sweden in matchday three, offered the most hope in a poor extra time period from Portugal, nodding wide from a free kick.

The dreaded penalty shootout

No conclusion could be reached from extra time, meaning that penalties would decide which team prevailed.

After each team scored their opening two penalties, Sweden went 3-2 ahead before Carlgren made a surprise save from Esgaio, Portugal's regular penalty taker.

Khalili then stepped up and missed with a terrible penalty, allowing Portugal to equalise. Lindeloff then handed Sweden the lead again, meaning that Carvalho had to score, which he didn't. A poor effort from 12 yards lacked power and accuracy, allowing Carlgren to make the stop.

His heroics handed Sweden the 2015 trophy, capping off an amazing tournament from them.