Paris (AFP) – Portugal boss Fernando Santos demanded his players keep their spirits high going into their final Group F game at Euro 2016 despite a frustrating 0-0 draw against Austria on Saturday.

Portugal fired 23 shots at the Austria goal in Paris, six of which were on target, but again failed to take three points after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a 79th-minute penalty.

Nani also hit the post with a header in the first half of a game Portugal dominated throughout, only to find themselves with just two points after two matches.

“We’re going through a tough time right now but we need to switch tack immediately. We can’t wallow in despair right now, that cannot happen,” said Santos.

“This draw was unfair but it’s useless to discuss it like that,” he said.

“We can’t concentrate on what chances we missed and how many chances we missed.

“We have to build on the positives and put it all together in the next game. This is our first ‘final’ of the Euros.”

Following a 1-1 draw with Iceland in their opening game, Portugal’s wastefulness again proved costly and defeat to surprise leaders Hungary on Wednesday would result in a shock elimination.

But Santos believes his side are one good performance away from clicking into gear in France.

“The game against Iceland wasn’t great but it was ok, enough to win.

“If we’d won it would have been a major step forward and today was another very positive match.

“We hit the post in each half and that’s it, the end result. Stats are worth nothing, fair or not, it’s a moot point.

“We need to play the next match and win it because that will make the team grow and that’s what it needs right now.”

– Austria fight on –

Austria coach Marcel Koller admitted his team were fortunate to remain in with a chance of reaching the last 16 despite picking up just one point so far.

“Portugal had more chances, but for us it was important not to lose this game. We got a point with a good defensive effort and this was important to us.

“If Ronaldo had scored (the penalty) we could have returned home to Austria, so that’s good for us,” added Koller, who was pleased with how his defence dealt with the threat of Ronaldo.

“He had some chances but I think we coped well with a player like him, we’re just lucky he didn’t succeed with the penalty.”

Austria were also grateful to goalkeeper Robert Almer, who made a crucial first-half save from Nani before pulling off two more key stops from Ronaldo after the break.

“I think all of us are very delighted, we wanted to get a point today,” said the Austria Vienna keeper.

“It was a very hard game, we didn’t expect that in the beginning and we just have to celebrate this point and win our next game. We have to invest all our energy against Iceland.”

Austria face Iceland, who have drawn their first two games, at the Stade de France on Wednesday. Anything less than a victory will put an end to their tournament.