MEISE-WOLVERTEM, Belgium, June 13 (Reuters) - Coach Emerich Jenei says Romania need to be sharper in front of goal in their next Euro 2000 match against Portugal.

'We have a chance in this competition but we have to make the most of our opportunities, we can't afford to waste them,' said Jenei on Tuesday.

The Romanians wasted several chances in a 1-1 draw with Germany in their opening Group A game on Monday. Jenei was philosophical about the result. 'I suppose you could say that we lost two points but we also gained a point which could be very important at the end,' he said.

The veteran coach, who also led Romania between 1986 and 1990, said his side may have given Germany too much respect. 'We knew that Germany entered the game as European champions but if we had been more insistent in midfield and attack we could have won the game,' said Jenei.

Romania's next match is on Saturday in Arnhem against a Portugal team buoyant after they came from 2-0 down to beat England 3-2. Romania met Portugal twice in qualification, winning 1-0 in Porto and drawing 1-1 in Bucharest, and Jenei says his team have a high opinion of the Portuguese.

'We know Portugal very well from qualification. They have great technique, players with real flair and they are very mobile. We have a lot of respect for Portugal.'

Jenei said he had been surprised by the determination the Portuguese showed as they fought back against England. 'From what I saw on television, Portugal had great spirit and a real mental strength wich is something that perhaps we haven't really seen before,' said Jenei.

Romania's first-choice players took a day off from training on Tuesday and a team official said there were no serious injuries after the Germany match.