11 June 2007, by Marco Pereira

Portugal 0–0 Belgium - Match Reaction

Jose Couceiro, Portugal coach

“We are not the best in the world. We have a good team and Belgium are at our level, but they are not inferior. They have 10 players who play for the senior team, a well a defined strategy and are a strong candidate to win the tournament.”

“To me, the result appears fair, but Belgium could have been in the advantage at the interval. We had periods where we lost control because we allowed them a lot of space in the midfield. We corrected this in the second half, balanced everything out and ended the game the more offensive team. Either team could have won.”

Hugo Almeida, Portugal striker

“In this European championship, all the teams are good. Belgium are a candidate to reach the final. I think a draw is just. In the second half we improved our marking. At that point, we really started playing to our full abilities. The first game is always nervous; all of us want to do better. We managed a draw which is not bad.”

Manuel Fernandes, Portugal midfielder

“I think, whether good or bad, the result was just. If we could not win then we had to make sure we did not lose either. It is a point and that is very important for us. Last year we started off with a loss, but this year we started with one point and now it only depends on us.”

“In the first half we were not good, but in the second half we were better. The problem was that the team did not play tightly in all sectors of the field; we were not united. In the second half, we tightened up and this produced better results. Is it fundamental to win against Holland? Yes, it will be very important to win the next game.”

Manuel da Costa, Portugal defender

“What went wrong? I believe that we gave them too much space in the first half. In the second half we improved greatly and were better in that aspect. Do I believe we can win against Holland? I believe so and if we do, we will qualify for the semi- finals.”

“But if we play against Holland the way we played today, we will not win. Do I consider Holland to be better than Belgium? Yes, they are better. Holland are very strong and they have an excellent player in Babbel. He is a very good striker. Holland have much more capacity than Belgium.”

Portugal 0-0 Belgium - Match Report