could and could have

[Anonymous]

Hello there!

what the difference between the following sentences:

We couldn't have won thw the match

We couldn't win the match

Thanks

[Tdol]

The first means that you are saying it was impossible for you to have won the match. The second means that you were not able to win the match.

Could for past time refers to past ability.
Could have refers to past possibility.

;-0