WARSAW:
Portugal coach Paulo Bento said efficiency was the key to his side’s 1-0 Euro 2012 quarter-final victory over the Czech Republic.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show and scored the winning goal 11 minutes from time but Bento said it was his side’s collective ability to control the game in both defence and attack that made the real difference.
“We dominated the game throughout and it is very important that when you dominate the game you’re efficient in attack as well as defence,” said Bento.
Ronaldo was unsurprisingly named man of the match for his performance and although he stole the limelight, he paid tribute to his teammates.
“We had a lot of chances while the Czechs didn’t have a single one,” said the Real Madrid star. “We had great unity on the pitch and that’s why we’ve reached our goal. I’d like to congratulate the whole team.”
‘Czechs can exit with heads held high’
Meanwhile, Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek praised his players saying they can leave Euro 2012 with their heads held high but admitted Portugal were the better side on the night.
“We played well in the tournament,” said Bilek. “We were playing against a more dangerous opponent and they had more chances. I just want to thank my lads for their performances. We showed our character and strength and can be proud of ourselves.”
Published In The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2012.
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