Pete Wild cannot understand Barrow fans’ frustration at seeing their side play out a second successive home stalemate.
And the Cumbrians boss believed only the lack of a goal failed to deliver the perfect game plan.
Barrow, unbeaten at home in the league this season and with the second meanest defence in the fourth tier, went closest when Dom Telford struck a post in the first half.
The Ammies also survived a frantic second-half free-kick on the edge of their six-yard box after goalkeeper Alex Cairns saved a back pass from Elliot Watt.
Substitute Matty Lund might have won it for the visitors but failed to convert Declan John’s cross.
“I know fans might be frustrated but I don’t know why,” said Wild. “The season is going exactly to plan.
“Let’s have it right, we played a team who will be up there at the end of the season, a team who were a penalty shoot-out from getting to Wembley last season.
“If you had said after 15 games we would have 22 points and still be unbeaten at home and well-placed in the league I would have snapped your hand off.
“We are not one of the big guns in this league, we’ve got to fight for every point.
“So, to be where we are and having a real identity, I’m over the moon.
“They have three big threats in Elliot Watt, Luke Bolton and Matt Smith. We nullified all three of their threats.
“So, did our game plan work? Yes. Did we have lots of domination of the ball and stop them hurting us? Yes.
“And we had opportunities but couldn’t put them away.
“Smith has played in the Championship and is an outstanding striker. But George Ray went to war with him and clearly won.”
Salford manager Neil Wood said: “We always want to win but this is a tough place to come.
“You know it’s going to be a battle, so you are looking for the fine margins to get you over the line.
“We will take the point and another clean sheet which are positives.”
On the free-kick, Wood added: “It was self-inflicted and we have a good habit of doing that.
“We are in total control and playing in good spaces but we just invite pressure and bring a mistake on us when we don’t have to.
“But we will take the positives. We thought it would be settled by fine margins and we just couldn’t quite get it.”
Mbappe wants to write own script ahead of blockbuster Ronaldo clash
Kylian Mbappe is determined to write his own script when he has the "honour" of facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
France will take on Portugal for a place in the last four on Friday, having overcome Belgium 1-0 in the last 16 via a late Jan Vertonghen own goal.
Portugal, meanwhile, beat Slovenia on penalties after Ronaldo missed a plethora of chances in a goalless draw, seeing an extra-time spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak.
Ronaldo has had more shots (20) than any other player at Euro 2024, accumulating a total expected goals (xG) figure of 2.75 but failing to score.
At each of his previous 10 major international tournaments (World Cup or European Championships), he got off the mark before the end of the group stage.
The battle between Mbappe and Ronaldo is sure to turn heads on Friday, with the former also enduring a frustrating tournament, suffering a broken nose in Les Bleus' first group match and only scoring from the penalty spot against Poland on matchday three.
Many have touted Mbappe as something of a successor to Ronaldo since he sealed his move to Real Madrid, but the France skipper is determined to be his own player.
"It's an honour, everyone knows the admiration I have for him," Mbappe said of Ronaldo at Thursday's pre-match press conference.
"We are always in touch. He will remain a legend of the game but we hope to beat him tomorrow.
"Do I envy him? You have to know how to appreciate what he is and what he has been. He is a unique player, his CV speaks for itself. We have respect for him.
"He's unique! There is only one like him. I just want to follow my passage. I hope that I will write a big page at Real but it will be different to his."
France lost to Portugal on home soil in the Euro 2016 final, with Eder netting an extra-time winner as Ronaldo gave instructions from the sidelines after going off injured.
Didier Deschamps refused to be drawn on whether the Selecao have regressed since then, saying: "They were strong. That was eight years ago but it was painful.
"I don't know if they are stronger or weaker, but we're in the quarter-finals. All the best teams are there. They are one of the best teams in Europe. It will be a great game."
France are yet to score a goal from open play at this tournament, only netting via an Mbappe penalty and two own goals, leading to criticism from the media at home.
Les Bleus' total of 67 shots has only been bettered by Spain (82), Portugal (73) and Germany (72), but they have underperformed their xG figures by a greater margin (-3.94, three goals from 6.94 xG) than any other side at the tournament.
Asked about that criticism, Deschamps said: "That is a popular craze now. There are people who may not be happy but I have seen other people happy.
"It would be more exciting to win 5-4, for sure. The critics are there to do their job, they have always been part of my daily life. It doesn't stop me from living."
The Numbers Game: Martinez faces Ronaldo decision against France
Portugal and France confirmed their places in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, but both the pre-tournament favourites were far from convincing in doing so.
Roberto Martinez had Diogo Costa to thank for his penalty heroics against Slovenia as the Porto goalkeeper spared Cristiano Ronaldo's blushes in Frankfurt.
Ronaldo saw his spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak in extra time, reducing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to tears at the interval before stepping up to score in the shootout.
Earlier that day, France were aided by the knee of Jan Vertonghen as they squeezed past Belgium in Dusseldorf, with their struggles in front of goal continuing.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since Euro 2020, in which three of the four goals were scored from the penalty spot in a 2-2 draw at the Puskas Arena. It is also, of course, a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, which Portugal won 1-0 in Paris.
Many predict another enthralling encounter against two European powerhouses, but based on current form, we might be better not expecting a classic.
Here, we use Opta data to preview Friday's clash.
What's expected?
France are predicted to emerge victorious in Hamburg, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a 40.1% chance of winning at the Volksparkstadion.
Portugal triumphed in 30.2% of the data-led simulations, with a draw forecast at 29.8%, meaning extra time and penalties are a real possibility.
This will be the fifth meeting between Portugal and France at the European Championships, with the Selecao unbeaten in the last two.
France won the first two meetings, going on to lift the trophy both times (3-2 in 1984, 2-1 in 2000), and Les Bleus know a win could send them on their way to silverware once again.
But while both sides boast an array of attacking talent, they have misfired in Germany, and every little advantage will likely be crucial in a tight contest.
Portugal have now failed to score in their last two matches. They have never failed to score in three consecutive games at a single major tournament before.
Les Bleus have had a similar problem. Their three goals at Euro 2024 so far have come from two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.
Not since a run of five internationals between March and September 2013 have France seen their players fail to score from open play in as many matches.
However, their defence remained resolute in their time of need. France have an expected goals against (xGA) tally of just 2.63 at Euro 2024 – the lowest of any side in the quarter-final, and second lowest at the tournament overall after already-eliminated Serbia (2.57).
Didier Deschamps' team have an impressive record over Friday's opponents, having lost only one of their last 14 games against Portugal (W11 D2), although that lone defeat came in the final of Euro 2016.
But Martinez's side will fancy their chances of claiming a second European Championship crown should they triumph here.
The previous four teams to eliminate Les Bleus at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament have gone on to win the trophy (Italy in the 1938 World Cup, Greece at Euro 2004, Spain at Euro 2012 and Germany at the 2014 World Cup).
Stick or twist with Ronaldo?
It's a question that has emerged not for the first time at Euro 2024, but Martinez will face his toughest decision yet on Portugal's talisman ahead of the fixture against France.
Ronaldo endured an evening to forget against Slovenia, but assumed responsibility for the Selecao's first spot-kick in the penalty shootout, and was sure not to make the same mistake twice.
During that game in Frankfurt, Ronaldo had the most shots (eight), shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition box (seven), of any player. A clinical edge is lacking.
Indeed, Portugal's captain has mustered 20 shots at Euro 2024, the most of any player, but is yet to find the back of the net.
Ronaldo has also attempted 34 direct free-kick shots for Portugal at the Euros, over twice as many as any other player on record (since 1980 – Zinedine Zidane 15), yet he is still to score one.
While it may be difficult to drop a player who is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Martinez could see this as an opportunity to freshen up his forward line.
Having recorded an xG total of 1.97 against Slovenia, failing to take those opportunities against a superior opposition will surely have devastating consequences.
Slim pickings for Deschamps
Deschamps tried to reignite Les Bleus' attacking spark with a three-man strike force against Belgium, but the pickings were slim.
A trio of Mbappe, Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann were preferred, with Randal Kolo Muani introduced late on, but it proved to be another blunt display.
France had 19 shots against the Belgians, but just two were on target, and ultimately it was a touch of fortune that saw them through.
Between Mbappe (five), Thuram (four) and Griezmann (two), they managed just one shot on target, despite having 18 touches between them in Belgium's box.
Defence, ironically, given the attacking talent at their disposal, has been France’s strong point. However, their array of attacking options will have to step up sooner rather than later.
France have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games, the most of any side at the tournament, yet they are not being helped by the players in front of them.
Deschamps, however, has the opportunity to freshen up his forward line. The France coach faces a decision similar to Martinez, as to which of his players he can trust on the biggest of stages.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portugal - Joao Paulinha
With Portugal's misfiring front line at the centre of attention against Slovenia, it overshadowed the impressive display of Joao Paulinha at the heart of midfield.
Paulinha, who is reportedly set to join Bayern Munich, made nine tackles in this game. The last player to make more in a European Championship match was Anatoliy Tymoshchuk for Ukraine v France in 2012 (12).
The 28-year-old's ability to break up play proved extremely effective against Slovenia, winning the most duels (17), most aerial duels (10), and winning possession more than any other Portugal player on the pitch (10).
France - William Saliba
William Saliba has carried his impressive form with Arsenal into his second major international tournament, and his defensive presence will be important given France's struggles in attack.
The defender has completed 96.6% of his passes so far at Euro 2024 (256/265), the best passing accuracy recorded (min. 100 passes) by a France player at a major tournament (since 1966 for the World Cup, and 1980 for the Euros).
The Numbers Game: Martinez faces Ronaldo decision against Les Bleus
Portugal and France confirmed their places in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, but both the pre-tournament favourites were far from convincing in doing so.
Roberto Martinez had Diogo Costa to thank for his penalty heroics against Slovenia as the Porto goalkeeper spared Cristiano Ronaldo's blushes in Frankfurt.
Ronaldo saw his spot-kick saved by Jan Oblak in extra time, reducing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to tears at the interval before stepping up to score in the shootout.
Earlier that day, France were aided by the knee of Jan Vertonghen as they squeezed past Belgium in Dusseldorf, with their struggles in front of goal continuing.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since Euro 2020, in which three of the four goals were scored from the penalty spot in a 2-2 draw at the Puskas Arena. It is also, of course, a repeat of the Euro 2016 final, which Portugal won 1-0 in Paris.
Many predict another enthralling encounter against two European powerhouses, but based on current form, we might be better not expecting a classic.
Here, we use Opta data to preview Friday's clash.
What's expected?
France are predicted to emerge victorious in Hamburg, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a 40.1% chance of winning at the Volksparkstadion.
Portugal triumphed in 30.2% of the data-led simulations, with a draw forecast at 29.8%, meaning extra time and penalties are a real possibility.
This will be the fifth meeting between Portugal and France at the European Championships, with the Selecao unbeaten in the last two.
France won the first two meetings, going on to lift the trophy both times (3-2 in 1984, 2-1 in 2000), and Les Bleus know a win could send them on their way to silverware once again.
But while both sides boast an array of attacking talent, they have misfired in Germany, and every little advantage will likely be crucial in a tight contest.
Portugal have now failed to score in their last two matches. They have never failed to score in three consecutive games at a single major tournament before.
Les Bleus have had a similar problem. Their three goals at Euro 2024 so far have come from two own goals and a penalty from Kylian Mbappe.
Not since a run of five internationals between March and September 2013 have France seen their players fail to score from open play in as many matches.
However, their defence remained resolute in their time of need. France have an expected goals against (xGA) tally of just 2.63 at Euro 2024 – the lowest of any side in the quarter-final, and second lowest at the tournament overall after already-eliminated Serbia (2.57).
Didier Deschamps' team have an impressive record over Friday's opponents, having lost only one of their last 14 games against Portugal (W11 D2), although that lone defeat came in the final of Euro 2016.
But Martinez's side will fancy their chances of claiming a second European Championship crown should they triumph here.
The previous four teams to eliminate Les Bleus at the quarter-final stage of a major tournament have gone on to win the trophy (Italy in the 1938 World Cup, Greece at Euro 2004, Spain at Euro 2012 and Germany at the 2014 World Cup).
Stick or twist with Ronaldo?
It's a question that has emerged not for the first time at Euro 2024, but Martinez will face his toughest decision yet on Portugal's talisman ahead of the fixture against France.
Ronaldo endured an evening to forget against Slovenia, but assumed responsibility for the Selecao's first spot-kick in the penalty shootout, and was sure not to make the same mistake twice.
During that game in Frankfurt, Ronaldo had the most shots (eight), shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition box (seven), of any player. A clinical edge is lacking.
Indeed, Portugal's captain has mustered 20 shots at Euro 2024, the most of any player, but is yet to find the back of the net.
Ronaldo has also attempted 34 direct free-kick shots for Portugal at the Euros, over twice as many as any other player on record (since 1980 – Zinedine Zidane 15), yet he is still to score one.
While it may be difficult to drop a player who is the all-time leading goalscorer in international football, Martinez could see this as an opportunity to freshen up his forward line.
Having recorded an xG total of 1.97 against Slovenia, failing to take those opportunities against a superior opposition will surely have devastating consequences.
Slim pickings for Deschamps
Deschamps tried to reignite Les Bleus' attacking spark with a three-man strike force against Belgium, but the pickings were slim.
A trio of Mbappe, Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann were preferred, with Randal Kolo Muani introduced late on, but it proved to be another blunt display.
France had 19 shots against the Belgians, but just two were on target, and ultimately it was a touch of fortune that saw them through.
Between Mbappe (five), Thuram (four) and Griezmann (two), they managed just one shot on target, despite having 18 touches between them in Belgium's box.
Defence, ironically, given the attacking talent at their disposal, has been France’s strong point. However, their array of attacking options will have to step up sooner rather than later.
France have kept a clean sheet in three of their four games, the most of any side at the tournament, yet they are not being helped by the players in front of them.
Deschamps, however, has the opportunity to freshen up his forward line. The France coach faces a decision similar to Martinez, as to which of his players he can trust on the biggest of stages.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portugal - Joao Paulinha
With Portugal's misfiring front line at the centre of attention against Slovenia, it overshadowed the impressive display of Joao Paulinha at the heart of midfield.
Paulinha, who is reportedly set to join Bayern Munich, made nine tackles in this game. The last player to make more in a European Championship match was Anatoliy Tymoshchuk for Ukraine v France in 2012 (12).
The 28-year-old's ability to break up play proved extremely effective against Slovenia, winning the most duels (17), most aerial duels (10), and winning possession more than any other Portugal player on the pitch (10).
France - William Saliba
William Saliba has carried his impressive form with Arsenal into his second major international tournament, and his defensive presence will be important given France's struggles in attack.
The defender has completed 96.6% of his passes so far at Euro 2024 (256/265), the best passing accuracy recorded (min. 100 passes) by a France player at a major tournament (since 1966 for the World Cup, and 1980 for the Euros).
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