Fernando Santos explained why Portugal lost its semi-final spot ot Spain

Added at:
another languages: uk ru

Fernando Santos, Portugal coach, speaking to RTP about the game against Spain:

"The team was well organised in the first half. We were doing well despite Spain having more possession. But we needed more ball circulation to take Spain apart and some aggressive pressure to recover faster. In the first half we created some opportunities, whilst Spain didn't create any."

"We did very well in the second half. In the first 15 minutes after half-time, the team pressed more and more and we created two or three goal situations. From then on, we didn't have the ball; the team dropped back, stopped pressing and struggled. I brought in Vitinha and João Mário to have more possession of the ball and to play. We couldn't, and we started to retreat. Even so, we had two great chances, but we didn't score."

"We have to maintain the same pattern of play regardless of the opponent. We managed to do this for a while. We circulated, pressed and created opportunities. In the second half, we defended higher up the field. Then we lost the ability to keep possession. We won the ball and we couldn't start our game. Spain started pushing and without having a real chance, scored."

another languages: uk ru

NewsRSS - News - Terrikon

07 July

00:35
2026 FIFA World Cup: Spain Leave It Late to Beat Portugal

06 July

14:14
Tottenham Smash Club Transfer Record with Sandro Tonali Signing
12:10
Nottingham Forest Officially Appoint Oliver Glasner as New Head Coach
06:56
England Hold Off Mexico to Reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals
03:21
Neymar Confirms Retirement from Brazil National Team
02:04
FIFA World Cup 2026: Erling Haaland sends Brazil packing in monumental round-of-16 shock

05 July

20:30
Poll: Who will reach the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals - Mexico or England?
18:57
Leclerc Ends Victory Drought as Antonelli Suffers Heartbreak at the British Grand Prix
16:16
Official: Real Madrid Complete Signing of Denzel Dumfries
14:16
Poll: Who will progress - Brazil or Norway?
13:27
France Overtake Argentina to Become FIFA's New No.1
02:35
Mbappé on target as France edge resilient Paraguay to book quarter-final spot

04 July

22:29
Morocco Punish Physical Canada to Cruise into the 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals
09:59
Mexico vs England Kick-off Time Remains Unchanged
08:25
2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Fixtures Confirmed
08:08
Colombia Seal Final 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Spot
04:31
Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare to Book Dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Spot
00:28
Egypt Edge Australia on Penalties to Reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16

03 July

11:47
Official: Massimiliano Allegri Appointed New Napoli Head Coach
10:05
Official: Julian Nagelsmann Leaves Germany Head Coach Role
08:20
Switzerland Cruise Past Algeria to Reach the World Cup Last 16
08:05
Ronaldo Scores as Portugal Edge Croatia in Dramatic World Cup Clash
00:32
Free-flowing Spain turn on the style to dispatch Austria and march into last 16

02 July

08:14
United States Beat Bosnia Despite Playing with 10 Men
02:26
2026 FIFA World Cup: Belgium Produce Comeback to Eliminate Senegal