LISBON, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese Secretary of State Luis Marques Guedes said on Thursday that the government expects a Portuguese victory against Ghana in the group stage of the World Cup.
"I think, on a personal level, that the expectations of all members of government is the same to the 10 million Portuguese citizens in the continent and the other millions of Portuguese people in Portuguese communities outside the country that Portugal will gain a victory, for sure," Marques Guedes said at the end of a cabinet meeting.
Marques Guedes stressed that this had "obviously" not been discussed during the meeting, before adding that he would be awaiting 5 p.m. local time and was hoping the results would bring him "joy."
His optimistic comments came after a lackluster performance by Portugal in the World Cup game, having been beaten 4-0 by Germany and held to a 2-2 draw by the United States.
Portugal must win against Ghana Thursday if it wants to reach the knockout round. It also depends on the game between Germany and the U.S. which will take place at the same time.
Portugal will be without left-back Fabio Coentrao due to a thigh injury, but will be counting on striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal currently sits in last position in Group G, with one point, on equal terms as Ghana.
|
