Portugal’s coach Fernando Santos has come to the defense of his players after they missed all of their three spot kicks in their penalty shoot-out defeat against Chile at the ongoing Confederations Cup. Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani — all saw their efforts saved by Manchester City sweeper and Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
“The goalkeeper was fantastic but the three players who failed their penalties were heroes in the European Championship against Poland,” Santos said.
“I always defend my players. It’s my decision who takes them.”
Santos also defended his decision to push Ronaldo further back in the order.
“That was the order we chose,” Santos said. “These three players scored their goals in the Euros.
“There’s no point thinking along those lines [that the order could have been changed after the first was saved].”
The game finished scoreless after 120 minutes and went to penalties, where Chile came out victorious.
The post Portugal coach explains why Ronaldo did not play first penalty against Chile appeared first on Soccer Nation.
via GET Sportonline
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