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Portugal's national team and former Chelsea defender Maniche says that his team will reach the quarter-finals at all costs, even though their opponent in the round of 16 is very strong - the Netherlands.
"I am completely confident that we will be able to defeat such a great team like the Netherlands," said the defender. "We have already made it to the next stage and the coach says he wants to see us among the 8 strongest teams. We are ready to make it happen."
Portugal's national team won all three matches in Group D. The Dutch national team has not lost a single match since the 2004 European Championship semi-finals when they had to admit defeat to the same Portuguese team.
"Since then, the 'Oranje' have made changes in the national team. Legendary Marco van Basten took over as the head coach, rejuvenating the team and qualifying for the World Cup in Germany. Meanwhile, there have been no major changes in the Portuguese national team," said Maniche.
"Since then, the Netherlands has changed a lot: a new coach, new young players, but if we think it will be difficult for us, it won't be easy for the Dutch either, because they know us very well since we have beaten them many times," added Maniche. "I think the match will be very intense."
