Larsson slots home the crucial goal against Boavista Match report Match photos Porto see off Lazio

� Henrik Larsson admitted the goal that booked Celtic's place in their first European final in 33 years had an element of luck about it.

The Swede struck his 40th goal of the season to send Celtic into the Uefa Cup final at the expense of Boavista.

But he acknowledged afterwards that both the build-up and the execution of the goal required some good fortune.

"I tried to slip the ball to John Hartson, but thankfully the defender slide-tackled and the ball came back to me," said Celtic's talismanic striker.

"I didn't get much on it and it certainly didn't go in the right direction, but it doesn't matter, we got one in the end."

Manager Martin O'Neill hailed his players' performance and insisted Celtic were capable of going on to win the cup.

But he was scathing of the tactics used by Boavista over the two legs that almost led to his side's exit.

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"Over the two games we deserve it - they were so negative with their diving and time-wasting, and it came back to haunt them eventually," said O'Neill.

"I'm delighted for everyone at the club, the players and the supporters. I've always said it's about those who pay and those who play.

"We know it will be difficult against Porto but there's no reason why we can't win it."

Captain Paul Lambert said the final would be the biggest game of most of the players' lives.

And he insisted that Sunday's Old Firm game paled in comparison to the significance of the prospect of playing in a Uefa Cup final.

Lambert has a Champions League winner's medal from his time with Borussia Dortmund, but is relishing the opportunity to add a Uefa Cup winners' medal to his collection.

"Whatever happens on Sunday happens, but the final of this is the one you want," he said.

"I don't think the guys will realise what they have done until the day of the final.

"Once they are there, it will be fantastic - the game of their lives.

"You never know, against Porto it is a one-off game and we can take anybody."