Portugal take comfort in potential

Portugal have plenty of reasons to be cheerful for the future, despite finishing bottom of Group A, with just one goal and one win to their name.

High note
In last night's match-winner João Moutino and captain Ricardo Quaresma, they have two of Europe's brightest attacking talents and, after two demoralising defeats, the duo finally gave home fans cause to celebrate with a 1-0 victory against Germany in Guimaraes, not that that was any comfort to either. To underline their commitment to the cause, both were booked, which would have meant a suspension to each had Portugal reached the semi-finals.

'Goal is irrelevant'
"We scored a goal but it was not enough," Sporting Clube de Portugal playmaker Moutinho told uefa.com. "Even though I scored the winner we failed in our objective to get to at least the semi-finals, so in a way, the goal is irrelevant. To play in Portugal was a major motivation and we wanted to give something back to the fans, but we didn't achieve what we wanted to do."

Back again
Moutinho, at just 19, may well be back to spearhead the Portuguese challenge for the 2007 finals in the Netherlands but this proved to be the 22-year-old Quaresma's farewell to the U21 stage. To the surprise of many, he missed out on the squad for the FIFA World Cup finals but it is a fair bet he will be involved in Portugal's push for a UEFA EUR0 2008™ place. Both will also get the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.

'Tried my best'
Quaresma, the FC Porto forward, told uefa.com: "We had everyone's support but we failed to deliver and move beyond the group stage. My situation regarding the World Cup had no bearing on my performances in this competition. I tried my best for the team and I have a clear conscience when I say that."