The President of the Republic sent a congratulatory message to the National Football Team for having been qualified in the playoff for the final phase of the World Cup, which will be held in Brazil in 2014.

Following is the text of the message from President Cavaco Silva:

“I am highly pleased to congratulate the National Football Team for having achieved the qualification to take part in the final phase of the World Cup, which will be played in Brazil in 2014.

The players and the coaching team were rewarded for their efforts and deserve being congratulated for having believed in their capabilities and in their possibilities, with drive and dedication, to beat their opponents, dignifying national sports and providing a further motive of pride for their fans and for all the Portuguese.

I am certain that, in 2014, during the World Cup, our team will receive the support, the spirit and mustering of the Portuguese, namely those that live in Brazil and for whom this qualification has a very special meaning.

On behalf of all the Portuguese and in my own personal name, I wish all of you, players, coaching team and the Portuguese Football Federation, the greatest success in this important coming event, in which, at all times, sportsmanship and competitive spirit must be the main guiding lines.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”