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Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic - Match Reaction

Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal coach:

“We thought Koller would play. Baros complicated our life. He wasn’t a fixed forward, he was a more mobile forward, who reinforced the midfield and complicated our task. It was a well worked surprise by the Czech Republic.

“I am very happy with the result because it gives us the chance to guarantee qualification right now in the second game. The performance shows that this team, that is being rebuilt, has a lot of quality for the future. It’s good to see the team working as a unit and seeing some players in great shape who have been in difficulty.

“What did I say at the break? I said some things that I can’t tell you. The players understood the message that I transmitted to them well, but the first half wasn’t as bad as all that. We made some bad passes because we were too hurried trying to get the ball forward.”

Deco, Portugal midfielder:

“Am I in great form? The most important thing is to be well prepared to help the team. This is more important than the individual aspect. I’ve been in good shape, I’ve been lucky in that the injuries have been controlled and when that’s the case I can show my true value.

“Petr Cech is a great goalkeeper, today he showed that again, but he couldn’t do anything about the goals. We won deservedly.”

Ricardo Carvalho, Portugal defender:

“It was a complicated game, we didn’t play well in the first half. Fortunately, in the second half we were better and we managed to score the goals that gave us victory.

“We don’t have any explanation for the first-half display. At the interval we were aware that we had to improve, this is what we did and we won. The first aim is almost achieved, now we are going to celebrate.

“We’re going to try and go as far as possible and count on a little luck which is always necessary.”

Ronaldo, Portugal winger:

“Winning the Euro is a huge dream and continues to be alive. We’ve got to take it one game at a time, respect our opponents. Today it was not easy because the Czech Republic played well.

“In the first half they played behind the line of the ball and that made it more difficult for the wingers. It was a game of sacrifice, but the players are to be congratulated. We have to think as a team and doing that we can have a great championship.

“Portugal are here to win. We won’t drop our guard and whoever plays against Switzerland will want to show they deserve to be in the starting line-up. But I want to play!

“I dedicate the goal to my family, the underprivileged children of the Red Cross and the Portuguese in general. Also to all those who like me. The support has been spectacular, Portuguese are all over the place and I have to thank them a lot. Those in Portugal and those who are here.”

Related: Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic - Match Report