An unfortunate World Cup debut for both countries, but especially for Angola, in the words of players and coaches.

Coaches:

Luiz Felipe SCOLARI (POR)
It was a difficult game, but that’s what we expected. Getting an early goal helped us settle, and we created three or four chances, if not more. Angola got better in the second half, and at times they played better than we did. That’s why I put on an extra midfielder, basically to try to get a grip of the game in the middle of the park. Even so we still managed to carve out some good chances.
Deco didn’t play because we didn’t want to risk him. There was a chance that he could aggravate his injury, and at this stage of the tournament, it was more sensible to use other players in his place. If it was the Mexico game, and our qualification depended on it, Deco would be fit enough to play.
If you look at the results of all the games up to now, nobody has won easily. For example, Iran dominated the game against Mexico while the scores were level. There are no easy games at this World Cup, and to prove it look at Sweden’s result against a Trinidad and Tobago side who were a man down. Any victory is good, no matter how you get it. Now we’ve got six games to go.

Luis OLIVEIRA GONCALVES (ANG)
I think we played well. Portugal started the game well and forced us into a terrible mistake. In the second half, we tried to be more positive because we thought we could put them under pressure and look to snatch a goal. Both teams deserve credit for a good performance, but I’m proud of my players.
We had done our homework on Portugal and like every other team they have their weaknesses. We tried to keep their key players quiet, and I think we were largely successful, apart from the goal. I thought that we looked in good shape, and we are here to improve as a team with every match we play.
I don’t think that Portugal played badly; I think that Angola played well. We are the underdogs in this group, and what we want to do is make things difficult for all of our opponents. We will try to do the same thing against Mexico, but we will also look to attack them, and win the game. We’re not getting carried away, because in reality we know that Mexico are the favourites. But if we get the chance to qualify for the next round, we’re going to take it.

Players:

Luis FIGO (POR), Budweiser Man of the Match
It was difficult, just as we thought it would be, but we had strength and attitude. In the second half, Angola dominated the game even though we had more chances to score than they did. We’re not a perfect team but for the first match of the World Cup, the team played alright. Lots of people thought it would be easy and that Angola are a weak team but that is not true. Our main goal is to qualify for the second round and then go as far as we can. Historically games against weaker opponents are harder for us because they play more defensively.

PAULETA (POR)
We tried very hard to score a second goal but it was impossible because Angola played well in defence. The most important thing was to get the three points and I hope we can win the next two matches.

Cristiano RONALDO (POR)
Nobody likes to be substituted but it’s the decision of the coach and we have to accept it. It’s good to begin this competition on the right foot – that’s the most important thing. But the team has to improve just as we did at EURO 2004. The next step is to beat Iran and then we should have qualified for the next round.

SIMAO Sabrosa (POR)
We reached our objective. We lost the opening matches in the last two competitions, so we knew it would be complicated but we managed to turn things around in our favour. We can always improve and I think we will do so.

TIAGO (POR)
We have a good chance to go a long way. The most important thing is to get past the first round. I think I played a little nervously be it was my first game at a World Cup. I’ve saved my shirt to give to my wife as it’s my tournament debut. Angola have a good group of players and I still say they have a good chance to get past the first round. They threatened to get back into the match at any time.

Fernando MEIRA (POR)
I’m very satisfied with the result. Portuguese fans like to see an attacking display but we wanted to get the three points and couldn’t take too many risks. Of course we thought about the fact the players know each other and speak the same language but when the whistle blows that all goes out the window. I thought Figo did a great job in Deco’s position but Deco is a key player and we hope he’s fit to play in the next match.

DECO (POR)
I decided, together with the coach, that not playing was for the best. I hope I’ll be available for the next game.

FIGUEIREDO (ANG)
There was a great spirit in the dressing room and the atmosphere in the ground was fantastic. We gave it our all. I think I’ve played against almost everyone in Portugal’s team so it was strange for me to play against friends, but during a match you have to forget those things. We have to beat Mexico win now and cover our country in glory.

MANTORRAS (ANG)
It’s sad we lost, of course, but we’re proud that we are here and can play in the tournament because Africa has many strong teams. For the first game in a World Cup it was very good and the fact is Portugal didn’t convince. But they are more experienced and that counts a lot. We’ll leave from here with a sour taste in our mouths. The group is pretty difficult but we’re optimistic we can play well in the next game against Mexico. I really think we can qualify.

DELGADO (ANG)
We tried to make things difficult for Portugal. We fought hard for an equaliser and I think the coach saw where we can improve for the next matches.

Marcos AIROSA (ANG)
Angola did well and I’m certain that we will learn a lot from our mistakes today. I think the result against Mexico will be positive. We are learning a lot in this World Cup

Source: WCoffsite coaches and players