Organised Portugal makes me proud: Coach

Kharkiv (Ukraine), June 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Portugal’s organised style of play made coach Paulo Bento especially proud after his team reached the Euro 2012 quarterfinals.

“I am proud of what we did as a team, satisfied that we have succeeded our aim, that we did that brilliantly with a great, united organization,” he said.

Portugal came from behind to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in their final group stage game and set up a quarterfinal match with the Czech Republic.

Portugal’s first appearance at a European championship in Euro 84, when the team reached the semifinals, was an inspiration to the team, he suggested.

“We remember ’84 when it happened for the first time,” Bento said.

Germany beat Denmark 2-1 in the other game, and will play Greece in the quarterfinal.