Santos to keep playing winning football

07/07/2016

Portugal boss Fernando Santos says he will continue to ignore his critics and set his side up to win Sunday’s Euro 2016 final.

The 61-year-old has been criticised for his team’s often negative style of play at the tournament this summer but his tactics have clearly worked, with Wednesday’s 2-0 semi-final win over Wales booking their place in the final at the Stade de France.

That was first time they have beaten a team in 90 minutes during the whole tournament and they will now face either the hosts France or Germany in Sunday’s showpiece Over the years the Portuguese have been known for their stylish play but despite reaching the quarter-finals or better in all six of their previous trips to the European Championships, they have always failed to take the trophy.

The current crop of players does not appear to have the same silky skills as previous vintages but they are extremely resolute and in their experienced coach Santos, have a man who knows how to set his team up. The former Greece manager admits the final against either France or Germany will be the pinnacle of his career and he’s promised he will once again send his team out with a gameplan to hopefully help them win.

“Sunday will be the highest point in my career,” Santos said. “Professionally speaking there are lots of them moments but personally it’s my flag, my fatherland. From a personal point of view it’s very important. “We are in it to win it and I’ll set up the team with the best possible strategy.” Portugal are currently 2.75 to win Euro 2016, while both France and Germany are priced at 2.88.