Uruguay were congratulated by Cristiano Ronaldo for their knockout stage victory over Portugal on Saturday night, the forward insisting his side have no reason to feel ashamed following their exit from the World Cup.
During their time at Russia, the Selecao have enjoyed an entertaining set of games including a 3-3 draw with Spain in which Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick.
"We must congratulate Uruguay because they are the national team that are in the quarter-finals," he said post-match.
"I think we played a good game and maybe we deserved more, but in football the ones that score the most goals win and they scored two, so congratulations.
"We leave with our heads held high. As the captain of Portugal I know how hard we have worked and we must be proud of the team.
"And I also want to congratulate the organisation of this World Cup, it has been fantastic in every way; the organisation, the security, the atmosphere is perfect and it must be said.
"We go with our heads held high and we are sure that this team will continue to win things."
Attention will now turn to whether Ronaldo will continue to captain Portugal but the 33-year-old stated that those questions are for another day.
"It's not the time to talk about the future, when it comes to the players and coach," asserted the winger.
"This team will continue to be one of the best in the world, with quality players, a young group, united. I am confident and happy because this team will always fight with all their strength."
Jeekmpsyz
116
Why should they, look at teams like Germany and Argentina with star players, they're already out, so why should Portugal players be ashamed, they did rather well, remember that's a side that won the Euros, when no want even dreamed they could. So well done Portugal
Suneio
67
Football legendary Cristiano Ronaldo and his team should rather be in high spirit for the universe. Ronaldo and his should be well praised. The most outstanding thing is that both Cr7 and Lm10 are our spirit of soccer. Thanks to their legendary and legacies.