Football Club

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz admitted the best team won after Spain beat their Iberian neighbours 1-0 to book a World Cup quarter-final with Paraguay.

David Villa’s strike proved to be the difference in Cape Town.

“Spain had the better chances and I think, sadly, they deserved to win,” said Queiroz.

“Spain were much more effective moving the ball around. We were looking for chances on the counter-attack. We had our chances – we just didn’t score.”

Despite their conservative game plan – Portugal only really came to life in a desperate final five minutes – Queiroz insisted his side had given their all.

“We showed ambition and desire to win but it just wasn’t possible. We’ll have to come back stronger,” he added.

“I believe the fans have justifiable reason to be proud of the way the team has played.

“We wanted to do well and when we compete at this level, if we manage to obtain second or third, it is not satisfactory.

“We always have as our main goal to win. We also want to have an honourable performance to dignify Portuguese football.

“I wanted us to be able to leave the field with our heads held high, and I think we accomplished this.”

Portugal’s star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, had a frustrating night and was frequently marginalised as Spain controlled possession, and he refused to talk to reporters as he left the ground.