Proud Ronaldo rues Portugal's luck
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
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Cristiano Ronaldo was left to rue Portugal's luck after losing on penalties, while team-mates Nélson Oliveira and Hélder Postiga said they could go home with their "heads held high".
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Cristiano Ronaldo was left cursing Portugal's misfortune after they were eliminated 4-2 on penalties by Spain in their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final. The Real Madrid CF forward came close to breaking the deadlock in normal time and was due to be his team's fifth penalty taker in the shoot-out but never got the opportunity as João Moutinho and Bruno Alves failed to convert. Meanwhile, team-mates Nélson Oliveira and Hélder Postiga, who missed the game through injury, believes the Selecção can go out with their "heads held high" after an impressive campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal forward
My feeling is sadness. Clearly to lose a semi-final on penalties is always hurtful but penalties are a lottery and the one with most luck is the one who wins. I think it was a very successful European Championship [for Portugal]. We did well, we were among the best four teams at the tournament and we didn't win because we didn't have luck but penalties are like that. We have to be proud, but the truth is that we are a bit frustrated because we knew that we could reach the final.
I did my best as I always do, so I'm satisfied with what I have done for the team. We have to be proud because we did what we had to do. We played well and we deserved to be in the final.
Nélson Oliveira, Portugal forward
We obviously feel a great sadness. We wanted to go through to the final and we didn't make it. We're sad but at the same time we can hold our heads high because we are dignified in our defeat. We did everything we could to win and unfortunately we were unable to do so but we come away proud. We played well and we were equal to Spain. Sadly, we didn't get the win we wanted.
Hélder Postiga, Portugal forward
Portugal demonstrated a great desire to win but unfortunately the match was decided on penalties. We didn't have the luck of previous competitions but we have to keep our heads held high because the players gave their all on the field and brought honour to Portugal. This result and the campaign should make the Portuguese proud. Now it is time to carry on working, it's time recover and start thinking about the next challenge.
