About two months ago, Benfica vice-president Fernando Tavares asked for Helder Antunes' resignation due to the absence of the famous Marlene Sousa, Maria Sofia Silva and Maria Vieira. The surprise call-up even led to a statement from the Eagles.But Helder Antunes has tried to be immune to that. At Novara, the coach led Portugal to the World Cup final with a record of 5 matches, 5 wins, 25 goals scored and 3 conceded, and at best, an unprecedented title. At worst, the team’s best performance in the last eight years.

“I'm going to keep the same attitude. I ignored it, not that I'm in a good position to give any kind of response, because I've never worried about it,” the coach said.

“And I said that these were the ten athletes that we thought were the best to do what we envisioned for Portugal. It is also not part of my education to take advantage of the moments when we are superior and others have less arguments to offer anything. “I answer, that is not my way of being,” explained Helder Antunes, 44, calmly.