The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to the National Football Team for having achieved the selection for the final stage of the World Cup.

Following is the text of the message:

"In my own personal name and on behalf of Portugal, I want to congratulate the National Football Team for having achieved the selection for the final stage of the World Cup which will be held in South Africa in 2010.

After the long stages of the selection process, the players and the technical team were rewarded for their efforts and are to be congratulated for having believed, until the very end, that it was possible for Portugal to vanquish its adversaries and stand up to the expectations of the Portuguese.

In 2010, during the championship, I am certain that the Portuguese Team will count with the support and the mustering of the country but also with the encouragement and the strength of all the Portuguese that live in South Africa, to whom this selection had a more than special significance.

I wish you all, players and technical team, the best success in this important competition and hope that the Portuguese Football Team will continue to play at the highest possible level, displaying sportsmanship and camaraderie on the field, so that the Portuguese feel the same pride that has united the country in previous sports competitions.

My best wishes for personal and sports success.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"