Portugal striker Helder Postiga was all praise for his side following their semi-final loss against the defending champions http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 on penalty shoot-out, insisting that they did their country proud by going as far as the semis in the European Championships.
The Seleccao, who were bidding to reach only their second final in the competition’s history, gave a real run for the money to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 del Bosque’s unit, as they barred them from scoring during 120 minutes of play. However, they lost their nerve in the ensuing
tiebreaker, losing out 4-2 to suffer their first ever defeat on shoot-out.
The striker, who remained on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the previous match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Czech-Republic-c2882, insisted that instead of going into a state of trauma, the Portuguese fans should be proud of their team’s performance in the competition.
He opined that matches that get stretched to the shoot-out can go either way, and at times, teams require a wee bit of luck to emerge victorious.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bruno-Alves-c8108 struck the frame of the goal from his spot-kick, before Cesc Fabregas fired home from the decisive kick to send Spain through into their third successive majors final.
While talking to reporters, Postiga said: “http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984 demonstrated a great desire to win but unfortunately the match was decided on penalties. We didn't have the luck of previous competitions but we have to keep our heads held high because the players gave
their all on the field and brought honour to Portugal. This result and the campaign should make the Portuguese proud.”
With their Euro dreams put to the sword by the Red Fury, Portugal will now set their focus on the World Cup qualifiers scheduled to begin from September. They have been slated in Group F alongside http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Luxembourg-c2945
and will kick off their campaign against Israel on 7th of September.
Postiga admitted that his side needs to move on from their semi-final heartbreak on Wednesday, and should look forward towards their next assignment.
He added, “Now it is time to carry on working, it's time recover and start thinking about the next challenge.”
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