Portuguese legend, Eusebio, has revealed that his national team’s Euro 2012 quarterfinal win over the Czech Republic brought tears to his eyes. “After the match, I hugged Luis Figo, and tears rolled down my face”, the 70 year old said, following Portugal’s late win over the Czechs in Warsaw.
The Portuguese had spurned a number of chances before Cristiano Ronaldo’s 79th minute header gave them a 1-0 lead, which they were never to relinquish. “I am a happy man thanks to these players, who played very well,” Eusebio said.
Eusebio, who represented Portugal during the 1966 World Cup in England, was quick to remind sceptics in the media of how much Paolo Bento’s side have achieved so far, at this tournament.
“They were being persecuted by the press, but we are in the semi-finals now”, he said. “I would like to thank the players and the technical staff, because I know what they are feeling.” The side are now outside-favourites to win the tournament, according to the Euros with Bet Victor.
Eusebio, who was Portugal’s all-time leading goal scorer until 2005, with 41 goals in 64 matches, is now looking towards the semi-finals, and dreaming of a first major tournament victory for his country. “We are not yet champions, but who knows? There are only two matches left”, he said.
Portugal, who were runners-up in the 2004 tournament, will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Spain and France, on Wednesday, and, now that Ronaldo has rediscovered his scoring form, they may just spring a surprise. Whoever Portugal face in the semi-final, in Donetsk, they will be a tougher proposition than the Czech side they dispatched, on Thursday, but, with a player like Ronaldo leading their team, then anything is possible for Bento’s men.
The online football betting at Bet Victor offers great odds on the European Championship, as well as the upcoming 2012/13 Premier League campaign.