Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari praised England’s courage after their dramatic World Cup quarter-final.
England lost on penalties after holding on for almost an hour with 10 men following Wayne Rooney’s dismissal.
“Congratulations to England, with 10 players they were incredible – it was an electrifying match,” said Scolari.
“We didn’t take advantage, we shot too much from outside the area. England closed the way to goal very well and it was like playing against 11.”
“I think it was a wonderful match, a really fine match. everything that we want from a football match in a good sense,” Scolari said.
“There was passion, there were opportunities, the players were happy to play match like this and only penalties could decide who was the winner,” he added.
“We have a possibility of victory in the next game as well and we get to the final,” Scolari told Portugal’s SIC television.
“But in principle, we are taking things step by step. We would be happy with any adversary.”
For the second successive tournament Portugal keeper Ricardo emerged as their saviour after stopping three of England’s four penalties in the shoot-out.
He said: “It was great. I managed to stop three of them. I’m really happy.”
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning penalty and added: “I’m full of confidence and I shoot strong.
“I was tired in the second half but I haven’t played for a week so it was OK.”
Portugal will now face France on Wednesday for a place in the final.
“We have four days to recover now so I think everyone’s going to be ready,” Ronaldo said.
