Dinis tempers praise after draw

Top two undecided
Portugal led 1-0 through a 49th-minute Daniel goal but Francesco Lodi equalised nine minutes later and the draw means neither side can be sure of qualifying for the last four. Portugal and Italy are level on four points at the top of Group A but while the Italians face Liechtenstein on Sunday, Portugal take on a Norway side still hopeful of progressing after today's 2-1 victory over the hosts.

'Great attitude'
"I think this was a man's game, a competitive game, and our players showed a great attitude," Dinis said. "They did what was needed. Looking at the game itself we had very good periods and other moments were not so good but I think it was a good performance. Unfortunately we had opportunities to score again but we didn't manage it."

'Result is fair'
Italy coach Paolo Berrettini said he was delighted by "the great effort and will to win" of his players" and added: "It was very difficult but the result is fair - we had good chances and so did they. Obviously the result is more important for Italy because the game that we have [against Liechtenstein] should be easier for us. We played a good game against very difficult opponents who are very good at keeping possession of the ball."

Loose upbeat
Norway coach Egil Olsen, meanwhile, said: "I'm not satisfied with the game. We took the three points and that is the most important thing." His Liechtenstein counterpart, Ralf Loose, was upbeat despite the fact his side are now eliminated. "I think we couldn't expect the game to be so close," he said. "We played much better than against Portugal and I'm very happy with the team."