A goal from Diego Tristan after 32 minutes sealed a hard-earned 1-0 victory against Stoke.

With Fulham losing to Chelsea, the Hammers moved to seventh place in the table with this win.

Zola said: "We have never lost focus that we could get into Europe and it remains a possibility.

"We will try hard until the end. I know the players are very determined to achieve this.

"I know some teams do not want Europe because of the number of games there are.

"But we have so many young players that to be in Europe would be a big thing for them. They would improve very much.

"To be honest I am quite surprised to be in this position. I was dreaming of doing a good job but I was not expecting to be pushing for Europe. It is going well."

Tristan made the breakthrough with a superb 20-yard free-kick after Abdoulaye Faye's foul on David Di Michele.

It was the 33-year-old Spaniard's third goal for the club and Zola was thrilled with his team's overall performance.

He said: "We played some good stuff in the first half and the goal was an example of that.

"We knew they would try to come back in the second half but the resilience of my team was amazing.

"We were aware of Stoke's tactics and how they would play. It was a matter of staying alert and we did that."

Zola singled out goalkeeper Robert Green for praise.

"Robert has been excellent for the last 25 games, " said the Hammers boss. "I cannot remember one mistake from him."

"His standards have always been high. He gives me confidence, that's all I can say."

Despite the defeat Stoke look almost certain of staying in the top flight for a second successive season.

They gave a feisty performance and Ricardo Fuller saw his effort disallowed by referee Peter Walton after a challenge on Green that left him and the home support angry and frustrated.

Then in the second half Faye's goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Mark Noble.

Manager Tony Pulis said: "I haven't seen Ricardo's effort again but I am told the goalkeeper dropped the ball. It was not in his hands.

"We are disappointed with the result. But that is the nature of this league. We are playing against good sides and good players.

"West Ham had a really good spell in the first half and got their goal, although our goalkeeper was not really tested that much.

"We did not have the breaks today but we were not sharp enough either in and around the box.

"At this level you have to take your chances when you get them. But we have to take this setback on the chin and prepare for the next game."