Special report: 2006 FIFA World Cup

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is frustrated after a 1-0 semifinal defeat of his team on Wednesday. (Xinhua Photo)

    STUTTGART, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that it would be hard to motivate the playersfor the third place match only days after the bitter loss in the semifinals of the World Cup.

    "It's difficult to stop our players and ourselves thinking about what we missed out on. You think about what you've lost and not about what you might win," said Scolari.

    "If you're on our side of the fence, this game represents suffering, rather than a match you are happy to take part in.

    "But it's part and parcel of the World Cup and we have to be optimistic."

    Portugal went down to a 1-0 defeat against France on Wednesday, sunk by a controversial penalty.

    In the third-place match, Portugal will face hosts Germany, whowere beaten 2-0 by Italy on Tuesday. Enditem