Portugal march on to a semi-final date with either Brazil or France after defeating England 3-1 on penalties following a last eight clash that ended goalless in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday, 1 July.
Neither of these sides could find a way through during 120 minutes of entertaining and closely-contested action, with Portugal unable to translate into goals a numerical advantage they had held for almost an hour thanks to Wayne Rooney’s 62nd-minute dismissal.
The match therefore became the second 2006 World Cup quarter-final to be settled on penalty kicks and, just as Jens Lehmann was Germany’s hero yesterday, so Ricardo was Portugal’s today, saving from Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to leave Cristiano Ronaldo to stroke home the decisive kick.
The match:
2' A slip by Ricardo Carvalho gave Rooney had an early sight of goal but his shot was charged down.
7' Portugal failed to clear fully a David Beckham free-kick and Steven Gerrard worked his way into a crossing position on the right side of the Portugal box but overhit his far-post delivery.
9' A bright start revived echoes of these rivals' exciting UEFA EURO 2004 quarter-final. There were chances at both ends as Rooney fired a half-volley at Ricardo from 20 metres and Cristiano Ronaldo latched onto a poor John Terry pass and tested Paul Robinson with a low drive from a similar range.
13' From a Luis Figo free-kick into the box, England were left looking vulnerable as the ball ricocheted off a couple of white shirts but Tiago was unable to react quickly enough. Moments later Maniche let fly but his shot was blocked by a defender.
17' With England enjoying a spell of pressure, Rooney played in Gerrard inside the penalty area but his ball across the six-yard box was met by Miguel's boot.
19' The action switched to the other end where Ronaldo ran at Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville, jinking this way and that before firing a shot high over the bar.
39' Attacking down the inside-left channel, Figo stepped inside Frank Lampard and curled the ball just past the far post.
44’ Petit conceded a free-kick in David Beckham territory – earning a booking for his lunge at Joe Cole that means he will miss the semi-final – but the England captain failed to clear the wall. Lampard then drove a fierce shot at Ricardo as half-time approached.
Beckham limps off, Rooney sent off:
52':Beckham struck the ball at Nuno Valente's hand inside the Portugal box but referee Horacio Elizondo waved play on. It was the injured Beckham's last contribution before making way for Aaron Lennon.
53': The first opportunity of the second period fell Lampard’s way but with a clear shooting opportunity from Gerrard’s corner, the Chelsea midfielder shot into the ground and over.
59': England substitute Lennon burst past Nuno Valente and Carvalho, pushing the ball onto Rooney. He kicked thin air and Joe Cole fired the loose ball over the bar.
62': As at EURO 2004, Rooney's quarter-final ended early. Then it was injury, this time a red card for catching Ricardo Carvalho with a careless boot and shoving Cristiano Ronaldo in front of the referee.
68': Portugal finally put England’s goal under some pressure as Maniche’s strike was charged down and Figo blazed the rebound over from a tight angle.
78': After a patient build-up around the England penalty box, Miguel teed up Figo for a strike and the Portugal captain drew a diving save from Robinson. 82': Both goalkeepers were now being tested. Substitute Hugo Viana shot low at Robinson, then Ricardo parried a Lampard free-kick but Lennon's follow-up lacked the pace to trouble him.
90': England's ten men had Portugal's defence creaking and Terry shot just over.
Extra time:
99': England threatened as Gerrard drove into the area and crossed towards substitute Peter Crouch but Miguel got there just in front of the striker to head clear. At the other end Simao drew a fingertip save from Robinson.
107': Lennon skipped into the penalty area and went down under Valente’s challenge but Elizondo
waved play on. Postiga had the ball in the net moments later but his header was ruled out for offside.
120': With Portugal pushing for a late winner, Miguel pulled the ball back to Maniche but he shot high over the top.
Penalties: Ricardo was the hero for Portugal with saves from Lampard, Gerrard and Carragher before Ronaldo tucked away the winning spot-kick.
A familiar tale for England, who once again exit a major tournament on penalties following a brave display. Portugal lacked the incisiveness to profit from their numerical advantage following Rooney’s red card but, as at EURO 2004, were more clinical in the shoot-out.
(Source: FIFA)
