Euro 2000 Netherlands/Belgium - "Blistering Run to the Semi-Final"
Portugal agonisingly failed to qualify for World cup 1998. But they came back stronger then ever at the 2000 European Championships in Belgium.
Playing amazing technical and attack minded football, Portugal notched 3 victories in their group. They came from behind 0-2 in the first game to win 3-2 against England in a classic match. A Late goal from Costinha gave the Portuguese a 1-0 win over Romania, revenge after Romania beat Portugal in Euro 2000 qualifying. In the final game against Germany, Portugal rested their main players. Sergio Conceicao scored a hat-trick as Portugal routed the German's 3-0. Conceicao won a starting role in the team after his epic performance.
The quarter final's against Turkey, Portugal won 2-0 from two Nuno Gomes goals to make their first Semi-Final since 1984. Luis Figo played great in this match, and Vitor Baia saved a penalty shot.
As in 1984, Portugal encountered France in the Semi-Final. France was reigning World Champions. Portugal took the lead through a great longe range effort from Nuno Gomes. The game would end sourly, as a thierry Henry equaliser brought the game to Extratime. A Controverisal handball call from the Linesman awarded France with a penalty. Zidane scored the golden goal penalty and Portugal's dream was over. Portugal's players pushed the referee and got emotional and agressive and were widely condemned for their actions. at the end of the match, some portuguese players had to endure bans from international football.
Euro 2004 Portugal - Shattered Dreams
Euro 2004 was held in Portugal. The county invested alot of money in rebuilding several deteriating stadia, and now had 10 new stadiums to host what promised to be the biggest Euro Ever. Brazilian World Cup coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was hired to lead Portugal to a first major trophy on home soil!
The "Golden Generation" last three players - Luis Figo, Fernando Couto, and Rui Costa were now in the twilight of their careers and this promised to be their last hurrah. FC Porto won the champions league, and some of their portuguese star players such as Ricardo Carvalho, Maniche, Deco, and Nuno Valente Added strength to the squad. Young promising winger Cristiano Ronaldo would make his debut at the age of 19 in his first international tournament on home soil.
Portugal was pitted in Group A alongside Greece, Russia, and Historical Rivals and neighbours Spain.
Portugal opened the tournament against Greece. Greece took a shock early lead through Karagounis. Cristiano Ronaldo subbed on, and ended up conceded a penalty. Greece went up 2-0 from the spot. the fans were stunned. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal for Portugal, from a header and the game finished 2-1 in a shock loss to the underdog Greek squad. Portugal was the first host nation to lose the opening match and it was embarrassing and fans began writing off the team.
However, Some of the old players were benched in favour of the more inform players. Portugal showed an improved Performance in the next match vs Russia, winning 2-0 with goals from Maniche and Rui Costa. The final group match against Spain ended up being a knockout round- with the winner progressing to the quarter finals. The Game in Lisbon was a entertaining clash between the two rivals, Cristiano Ronaldo impressing at the age of 19. Nuno Gomes scored a dramatic winner as Portugal won 1-0 to proceed to the quarter finals.
Portugal was pitted against an impressive England side in the quarter final. England was looking for revenge for their loss at euro 2000. Micheal Owen opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a neat finish. Substitute Helder Postiga equalized late in the game. In Overtime, Super sub and golden generation Veteran Rui Costa ran from the half line, to the edge of the penalty area to score a superb and dramatic individual goal. Portugal and England kept attacking each other in overtime, and England found an equaliser from Frank Lampard. The game went to penalty kicks, as Portigal prevailed with Goalkeeper Ricardo being the hero of the night saving the spotkick from Darius Vassel and converting the winner himself.
Portugal was up against powerhouse Netherlands in the Semi-Finals. Netherlands flattered to deceive in the tournament, but with their impressive lineup of stars such as Seedorf, Davids, and Ruud Van Nisterooj they were a difficult opponent. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a header. Ronaldo assisted Maniche from a short corner, and Maniche scored from long range to score what many consider as the goal of the tournament. Portugal held on to a historic 2-1 victory, as they conceeded a late own goal.
Portugal finally made it to its first major final!
The Final was staged at the storied Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. The same venue where figures such as Figo and Rui Costa lifted the 1991 World youth cup for Portugal. The same venue where Portugal hasnt lost in 25 years, and where Benfica played their home matches since 1956. The opponent- the only team to beat Portugal, surprise package Greece. Greece defended well and were organized and played well as a team, stopping everything Portugal threw at them. a 63rd minute header from Greek striker Angelos Charisteas broke the deadlock. The world was stunned, could the surprise package Greece win the European cup? Figo and Ricardo Carvalho came close to scoring in the dying stages of the game. In the end, Greece held on for a shocking and amazing victory. Portugal's Dreams were shattered, wheras Greece was on top of the World. Portugal legends Rui Costa and Luis Figo Retired from International football.
Luis Figo would later come out of retirement to help Portugal to the semi finals in World cup 2006.
Euro memories in videos and pics
