Portugal Reaches Title Game
Portugal advanced to the final of a major soccer tournament for the first time, beating the Netherlands, 2-1, Wednesday night in the semifinals of the European Championship.
Portugal, the host nation, will play Sunday against the winner of today’s semifinal between Greece and the Czech Republic.
“I’d trade everything I’ve ever won for this one moment,” said Portugal’s Luis Figo, who repeatedly penetrated the Dutch defense. “It’s a historic moment for the country.”
In front of 46,679 in Jose Alvalade Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo headed in Deco’s corner kick in the 26th minute and was given a yellow card by Swedish referee Anders Frisk for pulling off his shirt in the celebration.
Nuno Maniche made it 2-0 when he beat Edwin van der Sar with a 22-yard shot to the far post in the 57th minute, also off a corner kick.
The Netherlands got a goal when defender Jorge Andrade put the ball in his own net in the 63rd minute while trying to clear Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s cross.
“The Portuguese have a lot of talented players in the team. It was quite simple: They were the better team tonight,” Netherlands Coach Dick Advocaat said.
Portugal lost in the semifinals of the World Cup in 1966 and the European Championship in 1984 and 2000.
The Dutch, the European champions in 1988, were eliminated in the semifinals four years ago, when they were co-hosts.
One month after FC Porto won the European Champions Cup, Portugal is in position to win the biggest tournament for national teams next to the World Cup.
