Nelson Oliveira: Portugal can hold their heads up high

Jun 28, 2012 10:57:00 AM

The 20-year-old believes his side matched La Roja for the entirety of the last-four clash, and that they have nothing to be ashamed of as they prepare to fly home

Nelson Oliveira feels that Portugal were equal to Spain in Wednesday's Euro 2012 semi-final defeat, and stressed that the Seleccao go out with their heads held high.

Neither of the two sides could find the net during 120 minutes of play, but the reigning European and world champions eventually booked their place in Sunday's final after Cesc Fabregas scored the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

"We played well and we were equal to Spain. Sadly, we didn't get the win that we wanted," the young attacker was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"We obviously feel a great sadness. We wanted to go through to the final and we didn't make it. We're sad but at the same time we can hold our heads high because we are dignified in our defeat.

"We did everything we could to win and unfortunately we were unable to do so, but we come away proud."

The 20-year-old came off the bench in the 81st minute, but was unable to break the deadlock.

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