17 June 2007, by Marco Pereira

Portugal 4-0 Israel - Match Reaction

Manuel Fernandes, Portugal midfielder

“We should have played like this right from the beginning; it was not possible, but this game allows us to leave with a clear conscious.”

“It’s not worth lamenting about it now. We did what we had to do in this game, but it is always a problem when you have to rely on other factors.”

Ricardo Vaz Te, Portugal striker

“I don’t know how to explain what happened. In contrast to the other two games, things went well and we won. We have to continue to work hard and this result allows us to leave with our head held high.”

“We are not happy. We did our part, which was to win and not suffer any goals, but it’s not good to depend on other results.”

Miguel Veloso, Portugal midfielder

“I tried to give my best to the team and thank God things went well. Portugal controlled the game right from the opening to the last minute and was always the better team.”

“Portugal responded to all the critics, but unfortunately, we did not manage to reach the semi-finals. I feel disappointed.”

Jose Couceiro, Portugal coach

“The primary objective was not achieved, but it was not during this game. We knew that we had the advantage to play our third game against Israel because there are many players who are not used to playing three games in a short span of time.”

“We demonstrated that we are a team at a good level, but I think we lost qualification in our second game (2-1 loss to Holland). Even if we make the play-offs for the Olympics, we are still not satisfied. The players deserved the semi-finals and it was not their fault that they did not achieve it.”

Portugal 4-0 Israel - Match Report