Szczęsny and Co pay tribute to Poland rearguard

Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny recalled the words of former Arsenal FC centre-back Tony Adams when explaining his team's solid defensive display in the goalless draw with Portgual on Wednesday. Indeed, it was a tale of two resolute back lines in the first game to be played at the National Stadium Warsaw, with João Moutinho bemoaning his side's failure to find a killer touch in front of goal.

Wojciech Szczęsny, Poland goalkeeper
I remember Tony Adams, the ex-Arsenal defender, who used to say that if you don't lose goals, you don't lose games. We followed that concept today and I am glad. We played against the best attacking players in the world so we must be pleased not to concede. I don't agree I had a lot of work – I just made one good save in the first 45 minutes, and in the second half they didn't even have a half-chance.

We had chances ourselves – this time we couldn't convert them into goals, but maybe they will come in June. Was Cristiano Ronaldo subdued? Partly, yes, as he did not score and fans all over the world are used to him scoring every game. But don't focus on him, let's pay tribute to our defence. I was happy about the atmosphere at the stadium. For the first time it was really good.

Jakub Błaszczykowski, Poland midfielder
Maybe Portugal had more possession but they were unable to convert it into goals. They were most dangerous on the counterattack but I think we had more clear opportunities. I am happy with the performance although I wish we were more clinical. A big plus from the game was our defensive attitude. I would not look for negatives – OK, they had more possession, but we are a team that prefers to counterattack. Sometimes it is better to let them play and attack when the moment comes.

Ronaldo didn't do a great job as we didn't allow him to. When he had the ball, we doubled up on him and he had to pass it to a team-mate. This is what we wanted – to keep him off the ball. We were decent and with more luck we could even have won it.

João Moutinho, Portugal midfielder
We played very well in attack but had no luck. Of course Poland were motivated because they were at home but I think we had a good match despite it being a friendly. We were also solid in defence, we didn't concede. It was a good test and I am looking forward to keeping up the good work at EURO 2012. We are growing as a team. It was an honour to be invited to such an inauguration and this is a beautiful stadium – a modern venue that deserves to be part of EURO.

João Pereira, Portugal defender
We played really well tonight – we were only missing a goal. If we had scored, the game would have been more open, but we have to congratulate Poland as well because they were also very good. Despite the draw it was a positive match. It is always good not to concede but the team will have time to improve before EURO. We need a little more time training together. In the finals we have to think game by game and then we'll see.