Portugal is a small country with less people than some Brazilian cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, but it is a country in love with football and with an amazing ability to deliver talented players."Freezing conditionsJosé Mourinho's assessment of the strength of football in the Iberian nation was carried in the official programme of last night's friendly between Portugal and Brazil in London. The Chelsea FC manager braved freezing conditions to watch the contest at the Arsenal Stadium and, as events unfolded, he was, once again, spot on as Luiz Felipe Scolari's men stormed to an impressive 2-0 win.
'More effective'Late volleys from Simão and Ricardo Carvalho gave Portugal an encouraging victory in front of 60,000 fans, a result which left Scolari smiling. "Brazil had more chances than us but we were more effective," said the Brazilian, who inflicted a second defeat on his home country, following a 2-1 win back in 2003. "It was a game between two top quality teams that play in a very similar way. This win boosts our morale for the two important [UEFA EUR0 2008™] games in March. I had an opportunity to field different players and to watch their reactions in a tough match."
Ronaldo relaxedAs expected, Manchester United FC winger Cristiano Ronaldo was the centre of attention in a game which marked his first appearance as captain. It was a decision taken in accordance with the wish of former Portuguese Football Association vice-president Carlos Silva, who died on Sunday at the age of 72. "I was captain for the first time and it felt very good but then again the responsibility is the same," Ronaldo said. "Since the first day my goal has always been to help the national team. This win is special because we defeated Brazil but nothing more than that."
Quaresma gratefulFC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, who earned his first start in seven internationals, was grateful to Scolari. "I did my best in order to help the team," he said. "I want to thank Luiz Felipe Scolari and my team-mates for all the confidence they gave me before and after the match. I will work even harder in the hope of getting more chances to play. It was the best possible occasion to make a first start because we defeated Brazil. We all know just how strong they are," he said. True enough, but as Mourinho said, few can be in doubt either about the merits of Portuguese football.
'More effective'Late volleys from Simão and Ricardo Carvalho gave Portugal an encouraging victory in front of 60,000 fans, a result which left Scolari smiling. "Brazil had more chances than us but we were more effective," said the Brazilian, who inflicted a second defeat on his home country, following a 2-1 win back in 2003. "It was a game between two top quality teams that play in a very similar way. This win boosts our morale for the two important [UEFA EUR0 2008™] games in March. I had an opportunity to field different players and to watch their reactions in a tough match."
Ronaldo relaxedAs expected, Manchester United FC winger Cristiano Ronaldo was the centre of attention in a game which marked his first appearance as captain. It was a decision taken in accordance with the wish of former Portuguese Football Association vice-president Carlos Silva, who died on Sunday at the age of 72. "I was captain for the first time and it felt very good but then again the responsibility is the same," Ronaldo said. "Since the first day my goal has always been to help the national team. This win is special because we defeated Brazil but nothing more than that."
Quaresma gratefulFC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, who earned his first start in seven internationals, was grateful to Scolari. "I did my best in order to help the team," he said. "I want to thank Luiz Felipe Scolari and my team-mates for all the confidence they gave me before and after the match. I will work even harder in the hope of getting more chances to play. It was the best possible occasion to make a first start because we defeated Brazil. We all know just how strong they are," he said. True enough, but as Mourinho said, few can be in doubt either about the merits of Portuguese football.
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