“In the first half Spain had possession of the ball, but a lot of that possession was played between the goalkeeper and the centre-backs. They didn't have a goal situation, so in the first half the game was more about Portugal. At half-time the result is undeserved for Portugal, who had clear opportunities to score. Even so, something was missing and I told the players that.

"In the first 15 minutes of the second half we started very well. We created a goal situation right there, which we didn't materialize. After the substitutions we had some difficulty getting the ball. It was important to have more possession.

"We ended up conceding a goal. It's the second time we've conceded a goal in the last few minutes [as with Serbia]. If we have to defend, we have to defend with everything.”

Ronaldo’s performance

When asked if Ronaldo should have been substituted instead of Diogo Jota: “I already said that it was not my intention to take off Diogo Jota [who left due to physical complaints]. It was evident that more top speed was needed. Bringing on Rafael Leão was aimed at doing just that”.

Santos continued: “What interests me is how the team played. Ronaldo had three or four chances. Two very good ones, which he usually scores. He didn't score. It's football.”