21 June 2006, by Tom Kundert

Scolari: “Only three steps separate us from the final”

Portugal-Mexico match reaction

Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal coach
“I liked my team. I asked them before the match to give me doubts for the next match. The team played well. In relation to the next match, it’s not us who decides but Argentina or Holland. What’s important for us is to keep working day by day and try to obtain another win.”

“I’m hopeful with regard to the World Cup. There are only three steps separating us from the final, but these steps are much more difficult than the ones we’ve taken so far. We want to be among the final eight, which has always been our immediate aim.”

Figo, Portugal captain
“Today we played an excellent first half. In the second half we weren’t so good, but all in all it was an acceptable performance. Out of the three adversaries, this was our hardest match. We’ve got a good squad and any player can come into the team, as clearly shown today.”

“We played with a lot of tranquillity, maybe because we were already in the last sixteen and so we had to save ourselves physically. As for our next opponents, it’s difficult to choose between two great teams. It’s them who will decide. But we want to go as far as possible.”