Moutinho: “Euro 2008 is a chance to establish my place in the team”

Sporting midfielder aims to make an impact in tournament

Sporting captain Joao Moutinho put speculation about his future to one side (“that will be sorted out after the tournament”) to declare he is firmly focussed on earning his place in the team and helping Portugal to a successful Euro 2008.

The tenacious midfielder made himself a regular in the first-team at Alvalade while still a teenager, and the consistently high quality of his performances earned him the captain’s armband at the Lisbon giants at just 21 years of age.

However, his meteoric rise to football stardom at club level was not mirrored in the national team, with seasoned campaigners Deco, Petit, Costinha and Maniche blocking his path. Now that the latter two are no longer part of Scolari’s set-up, Moutinho is in good shape to stake his claim for a starting berth.

In the training ground practice match yesterday Moutinho duly lined up in the hypothetical first eleven, although the modest midfielder is not reading too much into the fact. “No, I don’t think I’m at an advantage. The coach decided to put me in that eleven, but in the second half the teams changed, so I think we’re all starting on an equal footing.

“I’m here to help and if I’m one of the first-choice starters I’ll do everything to give my best and help the group. Of course everyone wants to start the first game of the Euro and I’m no different, but we have to respect the decision of the coach.

“It could be a good moment for me to establish my place in the national team. If I’m on the pitch I’ll give it my all to help the group, which is a fantastic one – that’s my priority.”

Postiga: “Portugal’s strikers will score”

Meanwhile, striker Helder Postiga has hit back at Portugal’s much-maligned strike force, saying he does not believe the forward options are as poor as many claim.

“My call-up shows the confidence the coach has in me. I’m here to work and the help the group. I don’t agree that Portugal’s weak point is their strikers. If chances are created the forwards will score.”


Euro 2008 Portugal diary