‘We deserved to lose’

Spain deserved to lose against neighbours Portugal who provided all the passion in the 1-0 win that took the hosts into the Euro 2004 quarter-finals, Spanish players and coach Inaki Saez said on Sunday. ‘‘We worked very hard in the first half but they provided all the passion. The goal came from a half-chance at a time when we least expected it and we had to go for the game after that. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas said: ‘‘The truth is Portugal were all over us. It was our worst game in Euro 2004 and we just didn’t give what we had to give.

‘‘If we’re going home it’s because we deserve to and that’s uncomfortable for all of us. We can’t complain about this result.’’ (Reuters)