Portugal only have themselves to blame for Germany defeat, admits Moutinho

Jun 10, 2012 11:12:00 AM

The Seleccao squandered several chances in their 1-0 loss in Lviv and now need to rediscover their goalscoring touch against Denmark on Wednesday in the second group clash

PORTUGAL

GROUP B

HOW THEY QUALIFIED		P	PTS
	DENMARK	8	19
	PORTUGAL	8	16
	NORWAY	8	16
	ICELAND	8	4
	CYPRUS	8	2

*Portugal secured qualification with a play-off victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina

EXCLUSIVE
By Martin Del Palacio Langer

Joao Moutinho conceded that Portugal only have themselves to blame after losing their Euro 2012 opener 1-0 against Germany on Saturday.

The Seleccao created several clear-cut openings during the Group B clash in Lviv and were twice denied by the woodwork.

However, Moutinho admitted that Paulo Bento's men can ill-afford to feel sorry for themselves and must instead immediately switch their attention to Wednesday's must-win meeting with Denmark, who upset Netherlands in Kharkiv in the other group game.

"I do not like to talk about luck," the Porto ace told Goal.com. "I think that has nothing to do with it. We must take responsibility for our defeat. It was our fault.

"We played a good game [against Germany] but that's football. We created several opportunities to score, but when you do not take your chances, you get punished. That's almost a rule in football and it was what happened to us.

"Now we have to play the next game, and that is what we must concentrate on. We created a lot of chances against Germany but the result isn't going to change, so what's the use complaining?"

Indeed, Moutinho warned that the game against the Danes will require Portugal's undivided attention.

"They are a good team tactically," the 25-year-old mused. "I had the chance to see them against Netherlands and I think that we cannot underestimate them.

"They are a team who are very solid defensively, and above all quick on the counterattack. We will have to improve to beat them."

Portugal's clash with Denmark in Lviv is scheduled to get under way at 18:00CET.

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