Joao Moutinho banking on Portugal supporters to help team to Euro glory

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Joao Moutinho celebrates with Raul Meireles as Portugal beat Turkey in their opening Euro 2008 match

And Joao Moutinho thinks the boisterous Portuguese fans are re-creating the spirit of 2004 in Switzerland.

"I was not in the team back then (Euro 2004) but I saw the images and have also seen the emotions of the supporters over here," said the 21-year-old Sporting Lisbon midfielder.

"Of course the immigrants are giving a special support to the team. These are very good images. I think it shows Portugal is a great nation and naturally this is a boost in morale for our team."

Joao Moutinho impressed against the Turks at the Stade de Geneve and laid on the second goal for Raul Meireles in stoppage time following a quick counter-attack also involving Cristiano Ronaldo.

After the match, the Portugal squad returned to their Neuchatel base and held an open training session at the Stade de la Maladiere yesterday afternoon.

Thousands of supporters turned out to voice their backing for the team in
Neuchatel, creating a Brazilian-style carnival atmosphere, which Joao Moutinho
was quick to play down.

He said: "Portugal is Portugal. Brazil is Brazil. Both are great teams with great players .. we don't need to compare the two teams."

The scenes are set to be repeated today with another open training session in Neuchatel.

Much of the pre-tournament attention has centred around Ronaldo and a possible
summer switch from Manchester United to Real Madrid, but Joao Moutinho became
the latest to insist such topics have been banished until Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign is over.

He said: "We are all focused on the European Championships and all of that
will be dealt with after the European Championships."