England-Portugal: Drama down the decades
30 June 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com

It is 40 years since Portugal were last in a FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final.

That occasion came in the tournament held in England when, having just beaten Korea DPR in the last eight, they went on to face the hosts in the semi-final. It was one of two memorable confrontations between the countries who come face to face in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday bidding for a place in the last four at Germany 2006.

The two nations also faced each other at the quarter-final stage of UEFA EURO 2004 when Lisbon's Estadio da Luz staged incredible drama with the home nation eventually edging through on a penalty shoot-out.

Maybe it is nostalgia and the effect that the passing of time confers, but it is arguable that 1966 was the game between the teams, a match-up that brought two FIFA World Cup legends together on the same pitch as Bobby Charlton and Eusebio sought to drive their teams' onwards to a first-ever place on the greatest stage of all.

England – as is the case at Germany 2006 – had started none too impressively in their own tournament, drawing 0-0 with Uruguay in their opening fixture. They improved steadily while Portugal had begun as they meant to carry on , beating Hungary 3-1 and scoring three again in their next matches against both Bulgaria and Brazil, the holders. That result sent Pele and Co spinning out of the tournament.

Eusebio had scored four in the quarter-final against the North Koreans to take his tally in the tournament to seven but he was not the same threat three days later with Nobby Stiles keeping a tight hold on him. It left the stage free for Charlton who produced one of his finest performances in his 106 appearances in an England shirt, his shooting power and accuracy serving his country well on this famous Wembley night.

He scored first after half an hour when Jose Pereira could only block Roger Hunt’s shot and the Manchester United star coolly followed up to score. Eleven minutes from time England scored again when Geoff Hurst pulled the ball back and Charlton’s right foot put England in heaven and their first FIFA World Cup Final.

Portugal replied late on when Eusebio converted a penalty after Jack Charlton – Bobby's brother - handled. It was too little, too late as England marched on towards the Final where they would beat Germany 4-2 after extra time.

Since then Portugal have held the upper hand in the teams' meetings at major tournaments, gaining a measure of revenge with victories in the group stage at both the 1986 FIFA World Cup and at EURO 2000, when they progressed as far as the semi-finals before losing to France.

Two years ago, meanwhile, at the 2004 European Championship, England was experiencing 'Roomania' as 18–year-old Wayne Rooney inspired their run to the last eight with four goals. Crucially, he picked up a serious foot injury in the first half of the quarter-final against Portugal and had to hobble off but England were already ahead, Michael Owen punishing a defensive error to score in the third minute.

It looked as if England would prevail but with seven minutes remaining Helder Postiga – a striker who had enjoyed a disappointing spell in England – came off the bench to equalise. Into extra time where Rui Costa put Portugal in front only for Frank Lampard to equalise with five minutes left.

That meant penalties, the first of which David Beckham skied. Rui Costa also missed but when Darius Vassell saw his attempt saved England were under real pressure. The next kick was taken by Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo and he made no mistake. Portugal rejoiced. But unlike 40 years before, the victory was not to end in ultimate triumph, the host nation losing to Greece in the final by a single goal.

In knockout matches at big tournaments then it stands at England 1 Portugal 1. Who will have the better hand in Gelsenkirchen?

Right. It is one exciting match tonight! :))