Miguel Veloso: “We hope to do something big – we have a fantastic group”
Portugal midfielder delighted to be at Euro 2012
Among a string of superb individual performances at the Estadio da Luz last night, Genoa midfielder Miguel Veloso was one of the Seleccao players who shone brightest. Speaking to PortuGOAL.net after the match, Veloso told of his delight at helping to clinch Portugal’s place at Euro 2012.
“It’s the objective and the dream of any player to be at a European Championships; this objective was accomplished and we are all very happy,” said the former Sporting player.
Was this your best game for Portugal?
“Yes, things went well both for me and the team. But I think the most important thing is not to think individually but rather about the collective. All the players deserve congratulations. Those who played, those who came on and those who stayed on the bench because we have a fantastic group.”
Can Portugal make a big impact at Euro 2012?
“We hope to do something big. We have a very good group. Now it’s a question of continuing to work hard and evolving more and more because we know we’ll be facing very difficult opponents.”
You are in a particularly good phase of your career, and again you are closely linked with Paulo Bento. Is the fact that Bento is the Seleccao coach a help to you?
“Yes, it’s a help because he knows me very well, as I’ve worked with him for several years. But I don’t depend on him; I depend only on myself and I have to keep working hard so that when I am called upon I can continue to help this team.”
To listen to the interview (in Portuguese) click on the play button below.
Moutinho confident from the start
Veloso’s former team-mate at Sporting, Joao Moutinho said he was never in any doubt Portugal would successfully negotiate the play-off.
“We knew right from the start that if we kept the same attitude we showed in the first game, then with our quality we could get past Bosnia, who have an excellent team and excellent players.
“That’s what happened. After going 2-0 up, when they made it 2-1 it complicated matters a little, but we remained confident and we knew that we would get to the final whistle with victory, and that’s what happened,” the FC Porto midfielder told PortuGOAL.
Listen to more reaction from the playoff triumph in the PortuGOAL podcast coming up later this week.
Tom Kundert
Comments (16)
Ricardo Carvalho
16
Friday, 03 February 2012 02:52
Pedro / Australia
Paulo Bento ,
We all have a certain amount of pride and principles , and Ricardo Carvalho was wrong on his actions but we have an important 2012 ahead . Please you have showed a lot of strengh and determination , please show Portugal a little compassion towards a man that would be very important to bring back to our national team .
Can you imagine his determination to prove to you and i say thanks at the same time for his error ......All together we will see the European Cup in Portugal Please................PDS
fonseca's comments
15
Friday, 18 November 2011 17:25
antonio/ florida
you are so wrong about your comments regarding PC and Bosw, Carvalho should be a dead issue on this site and every site, the man walked off the field becuase he was not on the line up, we need man in our team that are proud to play or seat on the bench, let him be in spain he has plenty of money for a psicoligist, he was 100% wrong and needs to pay for it.
Now regarding Boswinga PB he is the one that make the comments after such an awesome victory about him, The player has medical reports to back him up and so far Bento only has accusations where are is facts? He now needs to prove that the medical reports are fraudelent and seriously I doubt it that he will. he needs to be a real man and apologize for is comments and admit that is ego not facts were the reason for the false accusations.
my answer
14
Friday, 18 November 2011 04:17
nelson canada
bateman uk says portugal has no chance with out ricardo carvalho both players did not play against bosnia bosingwa and carvalho and portugal send six rockets in to there net and that could been more luck was on bosnias side at list two more goals i believe theres 16 nations anything can happen theres about 35 players that p bento will be looking at since you mention defence heres a couple of names silvio miguel sereno nelson who can take carvalhos place bateman this is a soccer team made out of 11 players not a missing peace in a puzzle all bento needs to do is try players in the friendlys i wound try fernando meira one try and see as for strickers bento needs to call up rudy from the belgium league try him out remember one thing what matters is the future not the past these two players are in the past lets move on portugal has players setting in the bence that many teams in the world wish they could have them this portugal team is way better then the one from 2008 or world cup 2010 imean way better better coach to have a great team you need a tough coach p bento is all that and more no one is above the team i respect your opinion with no bosnias around its so peacefull i even thing better and sleep better witch planet are those dudes from bosnias do not worry world cup 2014 qualifers bosnia do not play PORTUGAL but we will meet in BRAZIL for sure
What works for Portugal
13
Friday, 18 November 2011 02:34
Mario / Canada
The strategy that Portugal should employ is the following: Wing players should be hugging the sideline when they receive the ball. And when a winger gets the ball out wide by the sideline the opposite winger on the other side of the field should move to a central position. For example when ronaldo gets the ball by the sideline Nani should move inward toward the centre and vice versa. Because our wingers, Ronaldo and Nani, are world class they will attract more than one player toward the sideline and therefore one of our midfielders should be open. Now the midfield player who gets the ball has more space to work with and more options up front since the central defenders not only have to cover the central striker but also the winger who has moved to a central position.
That strategy was employed on Nani's goal and Postiga's first goal, it is very effective.
Please stop talking about Bosingwa. He is not a good defender. His attacking skills make people forget that he never was a good defender. His lack of defensive quality would be exposed when Portugal plays the stronger teams at Euro 2012.
I regret that Carvalho is no longer on the team because despite his loss of pace he is still a world class player, however, the manager has decided. Any manager, be it in what field, has to make sure that all the people that he manages respect the rules and that they don't disrespect him. If he doesn't put his foot down when the rules are broken or when he is disrespected, then he loses control of the team.
Happy & Hopefull
12
Thursday, 17 November 2011 20:27
Eddie/Trinidad
First off I love Veloso! He is a great player! I'm so happy that he is starting in midfield now! That trio Veloso Meireles and Moutinho is well rounded strong and pure magic! I have always admired Bento and I am fully behind him, he is doing a great job as Portugal manager. He has really instilled a positive winning mentality within the squad and we have been scoring lots of goals and winning games! We have achieved Euro 2012 qualification and I'm very proud of my team and have alot of faith in them! I also agree with everyone else that I really hope Ricardo Carvalho comes back to the national team. He has been a role model experienced leader rock solid defender one of the best cb's in the world! His incident was uncalled for and he was out of line. But thats in the past. I really hope as I think most of us all do that Bento and Carvalho resolve the issue and that they put that in the past and unite and move on to the future with solidarity! We have a good team, but we are waay better with Ricardo Carvalho leading our defense! My dream now since we have secured qualification, is for Ricardo Carvalho to come back to the national team and for Bento and everyone to welcome him wholeheartedly. Both Carvalho and Bento are very patriotic and both level headed men and I hope everything works out peacefully and Carvalho unites with us again! Bosingwa I personally don't care for. He is poor defensively and to be honest once Silvio gets back fit, Silvio will be a way better fully balanced (defensively and offensively) right back than Bosingwa. As I have said before J. Perreira is okay, but I really see alot of quality in Silvio and he's 24 young with alot of good years ahead of him, and I see him with the potential to be one of the best right backs in the world! Thats precisely why Atletico Madrid bought him, as his undoubted talent was recognized by them. Hope he sorts out his little fitness issue and regains full fitness and stays healthy and injury free after that and that he will be ready to go for Portugal in Euro 2012. To me Silvio Pepe Carvalho Coentrao is a world class rock solid defense that I would be extremely proud of! That's my dream there! Forca Portugal!
RC vs JB
11
Thursday, 17 November 2011 19:36
fonceca
Riccardo's incident and Bosingwa's one both looks similar.But those two incidents are completely different to each other according to my view.
When Ricardo 's incident occurred he waited until the match over to made a statement.But what bosingwa did is completely wrong he gave such a cruel statement about the national coach in such a crucial time.he was the guy fpf should have banned for life.
I strongly believe PB and RC will sort out there problems before Euro with help of Ranaldo And Pepe.when they united again that news going to be great moral booster for the whole teem.
...........Sorry for the bad English.........
RC vs JB
10
Thursday, 17 November 2011 18:09
fonceca
Riccardo's incident and Bosingwa's one both looks similar.But those two incidents are completely different to each other according to my view.
When Ricardo 's incident occurred he waited until the match over to made a statement.But what bosingwa did is completely wrong he gave such a cruel statement about the national coach in such a crucial time.he was the guy fpf should have banned for life.
I strongly believe PB and RC will sort out there problems before Euro with help of Ranaldo And Pepe.when they united again that news going to be great moral booster for the whole teem.
...........Sorry for the bad English.........
Euro 2012
9
Thursday, 17 November 2011 16:42
Matthew
Glad to see Portugal will be at Euro 2012. The team played well against Bosnia.
Ricardo Carvalho will not return to the squad unless he admits that his actions were wrong and makes an effort to patch things up with Bento. Bento will not, and should not, go begging Carvalho to return to the squad. That's not how a team leader / coach should act. Carvalho has been one of my favorite players for years (I argued that he should have been given the captaincy after Figo retired) but it is an honor to play for your country and he must have the drive and the desire to represent Portugal and put his country above his own pride.
That said, it would be good for everyone involved: Carvalho, Bento, the rest of the team, and all Portugal supporters if Carvalho and Bento patched things up.
thanks TonyJC
8
Thursday, 17 November 2011 15:12
Alvaro/Goa-India
Thanks TonyJC for the info that Bosingwa faked injury. But the bottom line is Portugal needs players like Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho. Overall,Paulo Bento has done excellent work with the Portuguese team. I only hope some sought of understanding is acheived amongst all concerned, before it is too late.
I hope Bento heard Ronaldo's quote...
7
Thursday, 17 November 2011 14:26
Andre/UK
"If Ricardo Carvalho returns to the seleccao he will be received with open arms." I just read this quote of the day from CR7...echoing what probably the whole country feels, and probably every player on the squad (probably even Bruno Alves too!). Come on Senhor Bento...now that we've qualified and have some stress-free time to digest and reflect and prepare for the Euros, please listen to this good advice, get over your stubborness, and do the obvious thing and re-install Ricardo to the squad. With him in the team, we can definitely win Euro 2012...without him, MUCH less of a chance. That's how good a defender he is!!!
aalvaro.goa india well said
6
Thursday, 17 November 2011 04:30
nelson.canada
heros of the sea noble people valiant nation immortal what a start to a anthem to the millions of portuguese imigrantes all over the world also our brothers in goa and east timor who followed the game yesterday um abraco para todos this victory for all of us the song da vinci conquistador on youtube
thanks alvaro
5
Thursday, 17 November 2011 03:20
dragoes
It's great for portugal to get support from all over the world in places like goa, India. It's appreciated. I remember a few years ago after the tsunami in Indonesia they found a little boy who survived the destruction in his village wearing national portugal team shirt. I believe the portuguese federation became aware of it and invited the boy to lisbon for a national team match, which i thought was a nice touch.
It's this kind of support that portugal needs to earn around the world.
No chance
4
Thursday, 17 November 2011 02:02
Bateman/UK
A great victory against Bosnia but without Carvalho at the Euro's our defence will make several mistakes. We'll have no chance of going far.
Bosingwa
3
Thursday, 17 November 2011 01:04
TonyJC
Well Alvaro, the story is that He faked an Injury before the Argentine friendly and Bento hasn't forgiven him for that. If that is true, it is disappointing. He is much needed.
Mikey V
2
Wednesday, 16 November 2011 18:28
Tony/Canada
Always knew you had it in you bud!! Your Portugal's version of David Becks, laser guided passes, best left foot in the biz baby!!!
portugal's victory!!!
1
Wednesday, 16 November 2011 18:14
Alvaro/Goa-India
At last team Portugal lived up to their reputation and gave a truly inspired performance against Bosnia on 15-11-11 and qualified for Euro 2012.
Like many Goans, I have to wake up at odd hours in the middle of the night to catch the live action on RTP and without fail I make it a point to watch all the matches, and last night was no exception. The match started at 2.30a.m. IST and I can say without hesitation that it was well worth it.
The whole team played like world beater, Bosnia’s 2nd goal not withstanding. Ronaldo was in top form, scored 2 decisive goals and led the team with personal example. Nani scored a brilliant goal—easily the best of the match. Miguel Veloso and Postiga also produced telling strikes. Pepe marshalled the defence with calm and calculated assurance and Joao Moutinho is developing into a world class mid-fielder—the assist for Ronaldo’s 2nd goal was simply exquisite. Fabio Coentrão was his usual attacking self and provided good assists—a little more discipline in defence should make him a complete footballer.
Paulo Bento has managed to mould the team into a solid and impressive unit after a stuttering start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign though a few of his decisions appear questionable. One fails to understand why a world class performer like Jose Bosingwa has been constantly over looked. A player, who is a vital component in Andre Villas-Boas’ plans for Chelsea does not find a place even in the 23 players of the Seleҫão. The case of Ricardo Carvalho was another unfortunate incident—he too is badly needed to bolster the defence.
All said and done, here is wishing team Portugal all the success and good preparation for Euro 2012.
Forҫa Seleҫão!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Real Madrid played the best football in the world this year, even though we didn't win a European competition. They (Real Madrid board) have confidence in me and believe I'm the ideal coach for this team until 2016."
José Mourinho(Real Madrid coach, after signing contract extension at Real Madrid)
Among a string of superb individual performances at the Estadio da Luz last night, Genoa midfielder Miguel Veloso was one of the Seleccao players who shone brightest. Speaking to PortuGOAL.net after the match, Veloso told of his delight at helping to clinch Portugal’s place at Euro 2012.
We all have a certain amount of pride and principles , and Ricardo Carvalho was wrong on his actions but we have an important 2012 ahead . Please you have showed a lot of strengh and determination , please show Portugal a little compassion towards a man that would be very important to bring back to our national team .
Can you imagine his determination to prove to you and i say thanks at the same time for his error ......All together we will see the European Cup in Portugal Please................PDS
Now regarding Boswinga PB he is the one that make the comments after such an awesome victory about him, The player has medical reports to back him up and so far Bento only has accusations where are is facts? He now needs to prove that the medical reports are fraudelent and seriously I doubt it that he will. he needs to be a real man and apologize for is comments and admit that is ego not facts were the reason for the false accusations.
That strategy was employed on Nani's goal and Postiga's first goal, it is very effective.
Please stop talking about Bosingwa. He is not a good defender. His attacking skills make people forget that he never was a good defender. His lack of defensive quality would be exposed when Portugal plays the stronger teams at Euro 2012.
I regret that Carvalho is no longer on the team because despite his loss of pace he is still a world class player, however, the manager has decided. Any manager, be it in what field, has to make sure that all the people that he manages respect the rules and that they don't disrespect him. If he doesn't put his foot down when the rules are broken or when he is disrespected, then he loses control of the team.
When Ricardo 's incident occurred he waited until the match over to made a statement.But what bosingwa did is completely wrong he gave such a cruel statement about the national coach in such a crucial time.he was the guy fpf should have banned for life.
I strongly believe PB and RC will sort out there problems before Euro with help of Ranaldo And Pepe.when they united again that news going to be great moral booster for the whole teem.
...........Sorry for the bad English.........
When Ricardo 's incident occurred he waited until the match over to made a statement.But what bosingwa did is completely wrong he gave such a cruel statement about the national coach in such a crucial time.he was the guy fpf should have banned for life.
I strongly believe PB and RC will sort out there problems before Euro with help of Ranaldo And Pepe.when they united again that news going to be great moral booster for the whole teem.
...........Sorry for the bad English.........
Ricardo Carvalho will not return to the squad unless he admits that his actions were wrong and makes an effort to patch things up with Bento. Bento will not, and should not, go begging Carvalho to return to the squad. That's not how a team leader / coach should act. Carvalho has been one of my favorite players for years (I argued that he should have been given the captaincy after Figo retired) but it is an honor to play for your country and he must have the drive and the desire to represent Portugal and put his country above his own pride.
That said, it would be good for everyone involved: Carvalho, Bento, the rest of the team, and all Portugal supporters if Carvalho and Bento patched things up.
It's this kind of support that portugal needs to earn around the world.
Like many Goans, I have to wake up at odd hours in the middle of the night to catch the live action on RTP and without fail I make it a point to watch all the matches, and last night was no exception. The match started at 2.30a.m. IST and I can say without hesitation that it was well worth it.
The whole team played like world beater, Bosnia’s 2nd goal not withstanding. Ronaldo was in top form, scored 2 decisive goals and led the team with personal example. Nani scored a brilliant goal—easily the best of the match. Miguel Veloso and Postiga also produced telling strikes. Pepe marshalled the defence with calm and calculated assurance and Joao Moutinho is developing into a world class mid-fielder—the assist for Ronaldo’s 2nd goal was simply exquisite. Fabio Coentrão was his usual attacking self and provided good assists—a little more discipline in defence should make him a complete footballer.
Paulo Bento has managed to mould the team into a solid and impressive unit after a stuttering start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign though a few of his decisions appear questionable. One fails to understand why a world class performer like Jose Bosingwa has been constantly over looked. A player, who is a vital component in Andre Villas-Boas’ plans for Chelsea does not find a place even in the 23 players of the Seleҫão. The case of Ricardo Carvalho was another unfortunate incident—he too is badly needed to bolster the defence.
All said and done, here is wishing team Portugal all the success and good preparation for Euro 2012.
Forҫa Seleҫão!!!!!!!!!!!!