Portugal midfielder Armando Petit is keen to continue proving his critics wrong at Euro 2008.
Portugal lynchpin eager to continue proving his doubters wrong
Portugal midfielder Armando Petit is keen to continue proving his critics wrong at Euro 2008.
Petit's inclusion in manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's finals squad raised a few eyebrows following an injury-plagued campaign with Benfica.
However, the 31-year-old has impressed as Portugal topped Group A to book a quarter-final showdown with pre-tournament favourites Germany in Basel on Thursday.
And after being backed by Scolari, who is to take over as Chelsea boss after Euro 2008, Petit admits he was motivated to improve his fitness in order to dismiss the doubters.
Trust
"The call was criticised a lot," said Petit when asked about his inclusion in Portugal's squad. "I knew I had to work to be in shape for the Euros.
"But I'm giving a good response. The coach trusted me, I've got nothing to prove but I showed I deserve to be here.
"I was out for a long time. I didn't participate in pre-season, then I had an injury to my knee and another in my foot. I managed to work well to be in good shape."
Petit is also looking forward to a midfield battle with Germany captain Michael Ballack at St Jakob-Park.
Ballack battle
"If he (Ballack) plays I'll be concerned with his movements," added Petit.
"We must remember the team is not just Ballack, but if he comes into my zone I won't make it easy for him.
"He's good at turning up in the area and shoots well with both feet. We are prepared for that.
"Germany know how to exploit mistakes, we can't commit any and we must exploit their mistakes. We have to concentrate."
