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Nuno Espirito Santo delighted to join squad: “I thought it was a joke”

Euro 2008 cruelly cut short for goalkeeper Quim

Despite the highly encouraging win in their first match against Turkey, it was not all good news for Portugal on Saturday. Second-choice goalkeeper Quim fractured his wrist at the end of training, and was forced out of the tournament.

The Benfica stopper will be out of action for 4-6 weeks. Luiz Felipe Scolari took advantage of the Uefa ruling that any team can replace one player prior their first game in the event of injury, and immediately called up Porto’s back-up keeper, Nuno Espirito Santo.

Quim, who many have been calling to replace Ricardo between the posts, told of his disappointment at being forced out of the Euro. “It’s very frustrating after the season I had for Benfica to have a situation like this. The Euro was very important for me.

“I felt some pain but nothing special right at the end of training. I have felt bigger pains, but when the examination was carried out my nightmares became reality. I cannot do anything about it, so now I will concentrate on recovering to be in my best shape next season.”

Turkey victory dedicated to Quim

The unlucky keeper added that he will receive treatment in Switzerland and will remain with the squad, at least until the end of the group phase. After the victory against the Turks, his colleagues made a point of dedicating the win to Quim.

One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. Nuno Espirito Santo, the experienced Porto stopper who plays second fiddle to Brazilian international goalkeeper Helton for his club, admitted he thought he was the victim of a prank at first when club team-mate Raul Meireles phoned him up with the news.

“When Raul Meireles called me telling me I would replace Quim I thought it was a joke” was the first reaction Nuno gave to journalists.

“I did not expect this. I was already on holiday. Obviously I am very happy that Scolari picked me and I will do everything I can to help; I enjoyed the Portugal win against Turkey a lot.”

FC Porto coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, approved of Scolari’s decision, saying “Nuno did not play in many game this year with us, but when he did he played well. He is an important player with his experience. He will help the team.”

Nuno played 11 games in total this season, including important matches such as final of Portuguese Cup and the Champions League clash at home against Liverpool. The 34-year-old keeper has never represented Portugal.


Euro 2008 Portugal diary