6 June 2007, by Marco Pereira

Al-Salmiyah 1-1 Portugal – Match Reaction

Luiz Filipe Scolari, Portugal coach

“This game was not even at half gas. Our big moment was in Belgium and that we won, and because of that I am not going to complain about anything. But clearly, the result does not please me.”

“We should have won. Our finishing was off target again, but now what interests us is the game with Armenia because it is worth three points and they are important for qualification to the European Championships.”

Joao Tomas, Portugal goalscorer

“Now we will rest and prepare ourselves for upcoming matches. How was a draw possible? It was possible because the conditions were difficult. They (Al-Salmiyah) are more used to this weather than we are.”

“We had opportunities to score more goals, but we ended up suffering one from a direct free kick. It was a game where we could have done more.”

Bosingwa, Portugal right-back

“It was not easy to play in this heat. We are not used to playing in these kinds of temperatures. Clearly, all of us wanted to win, but they were much more motivated.”

Deco, Portugal captain

“The result is natural due to the fatigue, the demands from the game against Belgium, the long flight and the intense heat that we have felt, but to lose prestige, never!”

(On wearing the captain’s armband) “I am very proud to have captained the Portugal national team for the first time.”


Al-Salmiyah 1-1 Portugal: As it happened