26 June 2006, by Sean Gillen

Hero Maniche hails team spirit

Portuguese midfielder Maniche has hailed his side’s team spirit after their narrow 1-0 win over Holland on Sunday saw Luiz Scolari’s men qualify for the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup.

Maniche scored the winner for Portugal in a controversial encounter that saw both sides finish the game with nine men, and believes that the unity within the side saw them through.

“I think we won because we are a great group, a group of talented players, and a group of friends too,” said Maniche.

“Overall we deserved to win. This is a tasty win for Portugal.”

“The referee did not contribute to a good show of football,” admitted Maniche. “I don’t think this match was so violent to have as many sendings-off as we had.”

Portuguese legend Luis Figo was also delighted with the victory: “It is a historic goal for us. It is important for us, our country and our football. We have suffered to get this far,” Figo told Sky Italia.

Portugal meet England in the Quarter-Finals on Saturday and Figo is in confident mood ahead of the clash: “Now we will rest a bit. We have a week to prepare for this match. Let’s hope we win,” he said.