Portugal midfielder Armando Petit is keen to continue proving his critics wrong at Euro 2008.

Petit's inclusion in manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's finals squad raised a few eyebrows following an injury-plagued campaign with Benfica.

However, the 31-year-old has impressed as Portugal topped Group A to book a quarter-final showdown with pre-tournament favourites Germany in Basel on Thursday.

Petit admits he was motivated to improve his fitness in order to dismiss the doubters.

"The call was criticised a lot," said Petit when asked about his inclusion in Portugal's squad. "I knew I had to work to be in shape for the Euros.

"But I'm giving a good response. The coach trusted me, I've got nothing to prove but I showed I deserve to be here.

"I was out for a long time. I didn't participate in pre-season, then I had an injury to my knee and another in my foot. I managed to work well to be in good shape."