Portugal’s unbeaten run means nothing, insists Carlos Queiroz

Queiroz has played down the importance of Portugal's impressive statistics (Photo: RTP)

His side may be unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup but Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz is refusing to get carried away.

Portugal set up an enticing last 16 tie with Spain when they played out a goalless draw with Brazil on Friday -a result which ensured the continuation of their impressive unbeaten run of 19 matches under their current manager.

Queiroz, however, insists the number is meaningless.

“Statistics don’t mean very much,” said Queiroz. “They might build up our confidence, but we cannot go to the round of 16 just with reputation and statistics.

“Our players have to prove their worth on the pitch.”

The Portugal manager, 57, also played down the significance of his side’s solid defensive record having kept 22 clean sheets in their last 26 matches.

“This shows that we are playing good defence,” continued the former Real Madrid manager. “But we have to keep our feet on the ground because now the knock-out round begins and any mistakes can send you home.”

Queiroz admitted that he has not had time to analyse his side’s next opponents during the group stages, but will do his best to prepare his side for the match against their Iberian rivals.

I have not analysed any other groups up to now,” he admitted. “I have just focused on my group, which was enough work.

“But now we will prepare to be at our best in our next match. The important thing is that we play how we know.”