15 March 2007, by Marco Pereira

Tottenham 3-2 Braga: match reaction

Jorge Costa, Sporting Braga coach:

“This is the Braga that I want, with this attitude. It will be extremely difficult for anyone to beat Braga if we continue like this. There were some things that were missing in our game but we cannot demand everything from these players. What is important is that we played well and were not embarrassed. We dignified the city and the country.”

“If we did not give so much respect to our opponents in the game in Braga, the result could have been different. As a result, I feel a sense of frustration over the two legs. It’s true that even tonight we were very close to a dream.”

“But Tottenham are an excellent team and manage to do the most difficult thing in football – to play simple. In my opinion Tottenham are serious contenders to win the Uefa Cup.”

Joao Pinto, Sporting Braga forward:

“We cannot hide that they imposed a very strong rhythm, which caused us difficulties as we were not physically as strong as them. We are, naturally, much smaller players and in direct confrontation we lost at times which proved decisive in the two games.”

“Tottenham are a good team, not only in physical terms, but also tactically. Braga gave a good response. It was the first time that the club reached the Round of 16 in the Uefa Cup. We learned a lot and gained experience. We spread our name at international level and I believe, for what we did, we are to be congratulated.”

Martin Jol, Tottenham Hotspur coach:

“I am very satisfied for having reached this phase. We could have scored three or four goals in the first half. They did not create too many opportunities. The first goal was an own goal and the second came from a free kick that made its way through a wall with gaping holes.”

“We made it difficult for ourselves and should have scored four or five goals. We should have been more clinical. But it’s pleasing to be in the last eight.”

Tottenham 3-2 Braga - match report