Fonte – Doubters do not worry Portugal

Jose Fonte says Portugal will continue ignoring criticism of their tactics if they keep on winning at Euro 2016.

Despite making it through to the quarter-finals in France, the Portuguese are yet to win a game in 90 minutes, drawing all three of their group-stage outings before sneaking an extra-time win over Croatia in the last-16 tie.

They will now play Poland on Thursday in the quarter-finals for the chance to face either Belgium or Wales in the last four.

With captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo still to shine, A Seleccao, who are 8.00 to win Euro 2016, may again look to frustrate the dangerous Poles before trying to hit them on the break.

Having been famed for their stylish football over the years, their approach has seen Fernando Santos’ men come in for plenty of criticism.

Despite their dull performances, Fonte says the squad are not concerned by their doubters, arguing that tournament football is all about getting to the next stage.

“I think the most important thing is we are in the quarter-finals,” the Southampton defender said. “The main thing is to be in the quarter-finals and it doesn’t matter if you play beautiful football or if you’re playing ugly football, you have to win.”

“I want to win, and if I have to play bad every game and win I will do it. People can say whatever they want, obviously we as a team want to play extremely good and beautiful football and win games but it’s not possible to do that every game. “We will try to improve obviously, try to be better every game, but above all, to win.”

Portugal are currently 2.25 to win in Marseille, with the draw 3.00 and the Poles are 3.80.