Maniche Has Final Say
cctv.com 07-07-2004 09:41
Portugal became the first host nation since France in 1984 to qualify for the final of the UEFA European Championship after a headed goal by Ronaldo and a stunning strike from Maniche saw off the challenge of the Netherlands despite Jorge Andrade's own goal.
Initial defeat
Just as their opponents did 16 years ago, Portugal's feat was achieved after losing their opening match, but since that defeat by Greece Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have grown in stature and tonight, led by Lu铆s Figo, inspired by Deco and anchored by a resolute defense they were worthy winners.
Pauleta restored
With Pauleta restored to the attack in place of Nuno Gomes, Portugal fielded the team that started their final group match against Spain at the same stadium; the Netherlands called on PSV Eindhoven's Wilfred Bouma to replace the injured Frank de Boer in central defense, with Marc Overmars preferred to Andy van der Meyde on the right-wing.
Early exchanges
With the Netherlands' forward momentum foundering on the edge of the penalty area and Ruud van Nistelrooij looking isolated in attack, Portuguese captain Figo provided the game's first telling cross after ten minutes, producing a teasing ball which eluded Edwin van der Sar but was just too quick for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Comfortable header
Not long after the two captains, Figo and Phillip Cocu, went head to head, with Figo stealing a meter on Cocu before squaring the ball for Pauleta, but Bouma's outstretched leg averted the danger for the Dutch. However, on 26 minutes, Portugal took the lead as Ronaldo headed consummately home from Deco's inswinging corner.
Dutch response
It was no more than they deserved, although Ronaldo was then cautioned for removing his shirt in celebration. The Netherlands responded through a typically driving run by Edgar Davids, whose cross was headed partially clear by Ricardo Carvalho. The ball fell invitingly for Overmars but his volley flew well over, and soon after that Clarence Seedorf was close to connecting with another Davids cross.
In the net
At the other end Deco combined on the right with Maniche, whose low cross found Pauleta but Van der Sar was able to parry the striker's close-range shot. Van Nistelrooij then had the ball in the net from Overmars' pass, but the offside flag had been raised and Overmars was booked for protesting.
Off the post
Figo, having his best game of the tournament, then found himself with only Giovanni van Bronckhorst to beat and he stepped inside the full-back before curling a sublime left-foot shot against the far post as the game headed breathlessly for half-time.
Long clearance
Dutch coach Dick Advocaat withdrew Overmars at the break in favour of FC Bayern M眉nchen striker Roy Makaay, and another attack-minded player, Rafael van der Vaart, was added in place of Bouma soon afterwards. But by then Portugal should have been two goals up, Pauleta shooting straight at Van der Sar when clean through from goalkeeper Ricardo's long clearance.
Stunning finish
The home crowd did not have much longer to wait though, as in the 58th minute Maniche nearly raised the roof with a stupendous angled drive from the corner of the area that flew into the top corner of the net with Van der Sar, like the rest of us, a startled spectator.
Centimetres away
But just as the party was starting, disaster struck for Portugal. After Seedorf had fired narrowly wide, Jorge Andrade diverted a Van Bronckhorst cross over Ricardo and into his own goal to give the visitors unexpected hope. A minute later Makaay was centimeters away from heading home from Seedorf's free-kick.
Night to remember
Ronaldo then gave way to defensive midfield player Petit and Nuno Gomes replaced Pauleta as Portugal looked to consolidate. Maniche, set up by Nuno Gomes, might have increased the lead but his shot was blocked while Deco was denied a third in the final moments. By now though time was already on their side and Lisbon was getting ready for another night to remember.
Source: Official Website of Euro 2004
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