“we want to be the first” assures Fernando Santos

Fernando Santos, coach of Portugal, after the victory against Uruguay (2-0), in a press conference:

«Who scored the first goal between Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes? I think it was a great game and the rest doesn’t matter. Our whole team put in a great performance against a tough opponent. We managed to find spaces and control the match, to create movement. We prevented Uruguay from doing what they know how to do, playing on the counter-attack. The first twenty minutes were difficult, and it is to the credit of Uruguay. But then, in the second half, we managed to play as we know how to do. What to improve? This is what you have to discuss with the players, you have to improve the combinations with the ball and prevent the opponents from approaching the surface. We have a lot of things to improve but there are also positive aspects. Nuno Mendes, he’s going to be tested tomorrow or the day after. He felt a kind of muscle contracture, we hope it’s not something complicated. Compared to the defeat in 2018 (against Uruguay), these were different circumstances four years ago. It was then a round of 16. This time, Uruguay could have won but we won, it’s a great satisfaction to cross the lap. That’s what we wanted. I said that my team is very united, that we have a very good team spirit, and we provide answers. We are not yet sure of being in the lead, we want to be the first.»