Inter prepare to go all the way

By Brian Brownstein

FC Internazionale Milano goalkeeper Francesco Toldo is not dwelling on his mistake which allowed FC Porto to claim a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.

Unusual error
The Nerazzurri were leading 1-0 in Porto before Toldo misjudged a cross at the far post, allowing last season's winners back into the tie. However, Ricardo Costa's goal hasn't dented the experienced Italian international's confidence ahead of the second leg. "I made a mistake for Porto's goal - I could have done more to stop the cross and afterwards I accepted responsibility for it," Toldo told uefa.com. "I don't think those kinds of errors should be blown out of proportion. I have seen it all before, which is why I take a level-headed attitude towards my football.

Balanced judgement
"Goalkeepers are always being criticised one minute and then praised the next - that's why it's important to be balanced in your own judgment. It's harsh on goalkeepers because conceding a goal is never the fault of one person alone. There are always a number of factors at play when a goal is scored."

Home advantage
Despite giving up their lead, Toldo is still convinced Inter are in pole position to progress through to the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition. The 33-year-old shot-stopper believes Obafemi Martins' 24th-minute away goal at the Estádio do Dragão has given the Serie A giants a distinct advantage - one which they will not let go.

'Very pleased'
He said: "The 1-1 first-leg draw was a good result for us and sets us up well for the return match at the San Siro. If you draw away to the European champions, and score an away goal, it has to be seen as a positive result. We were very pleased with the scoreline. We approach the second leg with a lot of confidence because I feel we are in good form. The results may not have gone our way in recent weeks but we are playing some excellent football. I certainly think we are capable of going a long way in the Champions League this year."

Mihajlovic confident
Toldo's confidence is shared by Serbo-Montenegrin central defender Sinisa Mihajlovic. The 36-year-old has abandoned hope of domestic glory, but is convinced Inter can triumph in Europe. "Inter may be out of the race for the Serie A title, but we can still do well in Europe," Mihajlovic told uefa.com.

'Good enough'
"I am convinced we can win the Champions League this season. We are definitely good enough to go all the way. Obviously we have to get past Porto first which won't be easy, but we know a victory against them will give us a fantastic opportunity to win this great competition."

Adriano form
Mihajlovic's confidence is fuelled by the return to goalscoring form of precocious striker Adriano, who ended a barren spell with an 89th-minute penalty in a 2-1 victory against US Lecce recently. He said: "Adriano has been criticised a little for his form lately, but you must not forget he is a young boy, only 23 years old. I'm not worried about him because I know he is getting back to his old self and I am sure he will go on to be even better than ever."