Portugal's strength in reserve

Players' frustration
SL Benfica right-back Miguel and Tottenham Hotspur FC striker Postiga watched the 2-1 defeat by Greece from the bench on Saturday, and today admitted their frustration. "Some Portugal players suffered from the pressure of playing their first game in a major competition," Miguel said, while Postiga admitted the team "did not exist in the first half".

Hopes of selection
Portugal's consolation was not until added time, and Postiga added: "The substitutes improved our play and it was sad that Cristiano Ronaldo's goal did not come earlier." With the Russia match now more pivotal than ever, the forward still has hopes of selection by Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Hard work
"I push myself to the limit in training every day to convince the coach," the 21-year-old said. "But all the players respect his decisions." Similarly, Miguel said: "I have been thinking of being in the starting eleven since day one."

Victory paramount
Whatever the lineup, the pair insist that victory is paramount. The 24-year-old Benfica player said: "We know the efforts our country has made to host this competition and its hopes of making at least the quarter-finals. We are the hosts of EURO 2004™ and if we do not make the next stage it will be a tragedy for us."

'Early goal' wanted
Postiga suggested: "The key is scoring an early goal to settle our nerves." An early goal, indeed, was vital for Greece on Saturday. Another defeat is unthinkable for the Portuguese.