Portugal national team manager Paulo Bento has said that he is extremely delighted with the response shown by the fans at the Euro 2012. Portugal came into the competition after having not done well in the previous two major competitions. Hence, there was extreme pressure on them to deliver at the Euro 2012. Under the guidance of young manager Paulo Bento, they managed to do extremely well by reaching the semifinals of the competition. Even though Portugal lost the semi-final on penalties to eventual champions Spain, Paulo Bento has revealed that his extremely delighted with the competition as a whole and their achievements in it.

He has also said that he is extremely delighted at the way the fans supported the team throughout the whole competition. Even though Portugal were in the same group containing Germany, Netherlands, and Denmark, they managed to qualify as one of the strong teams from the group. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been criticised in various quarters for his poor performances for the national team, suddenly came alive in the latter stages of the competition, which helped them propel to the semifinals against Spain. Portugal lost in the semifinal match against Spain on penalties after having drawn the match 0-0 after extra time.

“I am proud to have made you [the Portuguese people] recover the trust in the team. I am very proud and satisfied with the support of the fans, who demonstrated they were supporting the team. We did not lack anything. Spain had merit in their win. I am proud. I am very satisfied with this reception. I would like to thank you all for your support,” said Paulo Bento after the elimination of the team from the competition. He will be hoping to build on the success to do well at the FIFA World Cup 2014.