As Portugal prepares for their last 16 clash against Slovenia on Monday, veteran centre-back Pepe has stepped up to defend his team’s performance at Euro 2024. The 2016 champions have experienced a mix of triumph and challenge in the group stage, finishing as Group F winners despite a surprising 2-0 defeat to debutants Georgia on Wednesday and a narrow 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match.
Pepe, a stalwart of Portuguese football, addressed the media on Friday, emphasizing the team’s strong statistical performance throughout the group stage. “I don’t know if you’ve had the chance to look at the statistics from the group stage — Portugal are one of the best teams in terms of statistics,” he stated confidently.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Pepe highlighted the unwavering support from the fans as a crucial factor in their progress. “From the first game to the last, the fans were always with us. The most important thing was the fact that, in the first game, against the Czech Republic, we were losing and the fans kept supporting us. Maybe it was that confidence they had that made us turn the result around.”
At 41 years old, Pepe has made history by becoming the oldest player to feature at the competition, a record he set against the Czechs and extended in Portugal’s impressive 3-0 win over Turkey, their best display in Germany so far. His remarkable longevity and experience have been pivotal for the team, particularly in this fifth edition of the Euros for Pepe, who debuted in the tournament in 2008 and famously lifted the trophy with Portugal in 2016.
As Portugal looks ahead to their knockout stage match against Slovenia, the team will undoubtedly draw on Pepe’s leadership and experience. His determination to defend Portugal’s performance and his desire for a second European Championship triumph reflect the resilience and ambition of the squad.
With Pepe at the helm, Portugal aims to overcome the challenges they faced in the group stage and continue their journey towards another historic victory. The veteran defender’s role will be crucial as they navigate the pressures and demands of the knockout rounds, seeking to replicate the glory of their 2016 triumph and solidify their place in football history.
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