Eilts pride mixed with pain
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Article summary
Agostinho Oliveira was pleased his Portugal team achieved two of their goals for their final Group A tie while Dieter Eilts was devastated by Germany's exit.
Article body
Germany could not have been closer to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals. João Moutinho's goal for Portugal in the 94th minute in Guimaraes left Dieter Eilts on his knees and his players on the turf for at least five minutes after the final whistle. The Germany coach still cut a disconsolate figure at his post-match press conference. For his opposite number, Agostinho Oliveira, there was the consolation of a valedictory win as his team exited the tournament having failed to manage the three-goal margin of victory required.
Dieter Eilts, Germany coach
The end of the game hurt a lot. You could see that my team played great football out there. They deserved to go through, they deserve to still be in the competition, not to be going home. I can only praise my players. They deserve every compliment because they should be looking forward to the semi-finals.
Agostinho Oliveira, Portugal coach
We had three goals tonight: to play as a team of our quality should; to win the game and make it a proper spectacle; and third, to go through to the semi-finals. We managed the first two of those ambitions. Portugal normally play well against Anglo-Saxon teams, and the real Portugal was the one that beat Germany tonight. I am sad that we are out but I can be happy with the job we have done. It has been important to work with these players for the future good of Portuguese football.