PORTUGAL-IRAN: Players' Quotes

17 June 2006

Luis FIGO (POR)
I'm delighted with the win, and we're all looking forward to taking on the next big-name opponents. We threw away possession at the start and misplaced our passes. We really should have taken the lead well before the second half, but we took the game by the scruff of the neck after half-time. We're very pleased with the victory, but we'll keep our feet on the ground, because Mexico are our next opponents and they represent a very tough challenge. But I'm generally delighted at the way it's gone within Group D.

Fernando MEIRA (POR)
We were more of an attacking force than the Iranians and created plenty of chances. I believe in this team's ability, and we're all looking forward to taking on Mexico.

RICARDO (POR)
We knew we'd get at least three games here, and now we've achieved our first goal of qualifying for the next round – and with a game in hand. It hasn't been easy so far, and there are no easy games coming up. We'll work together as a team towards the next victory.

Ricardo CARVALHO (POR)
Will it be Holland or Argentina in the next round? I'm honestly not bothered. Both are packed with big names, so we have nothing to lose.

Ferydoon ZANDI (IRN)
We weren't smart enough at the decisive moments. Some of our most important and influential players were never 100 per cent fit. And to be frank, the opening defeat put a damper on the dressing room, so there was no wave of euphoria for us to ride. We weren't affected by the stories about the coach (Branko Ivankovic) over recent days, because that's what you get in Iran after every defeat. Obviously it's a matter of honour and pride for us now. We'll give it our best shot in our last game and bid the tournament a worthy farewell. We'd like to finish third in the group, but we're well aware Angola will provide tough opposition.

Mehdi MAHDAVIKIA (IRN)
We're devastated at being knocked out, because we'd set our sights on making the last 16. We played well in the first half against Mexico, and we did the same again today. We have a good crop of youngsters and there's a very good team for the future coming together here.

Vahid HASHEMIAN (IRN)
We looked very good indeed for the first ten minutes, but it was never going to be enough to win. Portugal were definitely the better team and they were physically strong too. It's over for us and we have to live with the defeat. We only matched them for 45 minutes. We kept it tight in the first half, but we looked very tired after half-time. Some of our best players are injured and couldn't make their normal contribution. Obviously we missed them. We have plenty of talented players in Iran, some of whom could play in Europe. Our coaches are always criticised at home when we lose.