Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari told the BBC of his anguish after Portugal were eliminated from Euro 2008 by Germany.
The manager, now bound for Chelsea, said after the 3-2 loss, "I am naturally disappointed and frustrated.
"I failed and I wasn't able to achieve the target the federation had set me, qualifying for the semis. Germany were better at the important moments.
"I'm upset because I think Portugal had the ability to be among the best four.
"But we made mistakes today and couldn't get the result."
Nonetheless he had praise for his men in what was a difficult evening.
"In general, I'm satisfied with what the players did in the competition and I'm proud."
Still, the veteran manager found time to question referee Peter Frojdfeldt for failing to see an alleged shove on Paulo Ferreira during Germany's third goal.
"I do not want to say Germany benefited from that but all the TV screens show Ballack clearly pushed our player," he said.
"Unfortunately the referee did not see it and we stopped.
"I do not know if it would have changed the match. We could have lost by 2-1 but when we are pressing the opponent and we concede a third goal we have to start all over again, our opponents grow in stature.
"I can't guarantee it would have changed anything but if it is a foul it has to be given by the referee."
