Scolari big in defeat
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ByEurosport
Published 05/07/2006 at 22:13 GMT
Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari paid tribute to France after his side crashed out of the World Cup on Wednesday with a 1-0 defeat in Munich. Zinedine Zidane's first half penalty saw the French into the final, leaving Scolari to believe their victory was well deserved.
FOOTBALL 2006 World Cup Portugal-France Scolari
Image credit: Reuters
"It was deserved victory, definitely, for France," Scolari said.
"There are situations that are difficult. We did everything we could, we did our best. Congratulations to France," he continued.
"We have to accept this. We knew it would be a difficult match and had a few chances but, unfortunately, didn't do it and lost."
Scolari's future as Portugal coach will now be the subject of much speculation, after the Brazilian was nearly named Sven-Göran Eriksson's successor as England coach before the tournament started in Germany.
"I have a contract until the end of July then we'll see what happens," he said.
Portuguese legend Eusabio paid tribute to Scolari's efforts at the World Cup.
"The luck factor was not on Portugal's side today," he told Portuguese television channel SIC.
"The players deserve to be congratulated. But it is still not over; sadly we are not in the final but we have a game ahead and that game has a price as well which is the bronze."
Portugal will now play Germany in the battle for third place in Stuttgart on Saturday.
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