Before the new millennium, Portugal were always a squad filled to the brim with talent, but perennial underachievers. We were known for fluid passing, great ball movement, and talented players, but also, for a lack of a cutting edge. Then, at a crucial point in Portugal's opening group game at Euro 2000 - co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands - something happened, it all just clicked.
England were the unfortunate opponents on that night, unbeknownst to them that the start of something very special was about to occur. England took an early lead, up 2-0 and still in the first half, but then Figo collected a pass unmarked in the midfield, and started his run towards the England net. It was a run that changed Portuguese soccer as we knew it, as he unleashed a screamer that Seaman could only stand and watch. Portugal went on to win that game 3-2, and it marked our long overdue arrival on the international scene. Since that performance, we have been present in every international tournament, and put in very respectable showings (save a shocking group exit at the 2002 World Cup that we shall not talk about).
What is your fondest memory of our national team?
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Classic! What Goal By Figo!
ReplyDeleteBeing at euro 2004. I attended the portugal england match that went into extra time and penalty shots. We eventually won the game, so far it has been the best day of my life !!!!!
ReplyDeletefor me, it was the Euro 2004 Portugal-Spain game, we dominated and out performed such a great team in spain, I will never forget it
ReplyDeleteI was also at the russia game, but the england match was better. That whole euro 2004 tournament felt magical in Portugal. Whenever we would drive into lisbon for a game there would be so many people all from different countries cheering and supporting their team. Huge posters that would scale the side of buildings of Rui Costa, Figo and Ronaldo. Forca by Nelly Furtado playing everywhere and on every commercial on TV. Columbo, the mall across the strret from estadio da luz was always packed with fans right before the game. Just an amazing experience my friends and i will never forget. Hopefully Portugal hosts the 2018 world cup with spain then we can all live it again !!!
ReplyDeleteI was also at the Euro 2004 Portugal-England quarter-final match, in fact I was standing right beside Nene. Watching this match is definitely my favourite national team moment, but there was one moment in particular that really stands out in my memory.
ReplyDeleteAs most of you know the Portugal was down 1-0 3 minutes into the game so that upset the mood pretty quickly. The English fans took over with their singing and chanting, and anyone cheering for Portugal was left praying until late in the game.
In the 83 minute, Helder Postiga scored the equalizer that caused the stadium to erupt with noise, which was a huge relief. That moment was amazing however, my favourite moment of that night was Rui Costa's extra time goal. Everything was perfect about it; he fought off a tackle, hit a solid shot (from the 18 yard box and off the bottom of the cross bar) just over James, and put Portugal ahead with the potential game winning goal. Again, the stadium exploded with even more noise this time and the chants began... OOOOOOOOHHH PORTUGAL ALEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, that did not seal the deal, England equalized before the end of extra time and the game went to penalties. The penalties were very nerve racking but Portugal made it out on top with an incredible performance from the goalkeeper Ricardo. Lisboa was buzzing after the game as the country was one step closer to trophy at home.
Being a huge Seleccao fan, the entire experience that night was beyond amazing. To have experienced such an epic Portugal game, live and on home soil, is definitely one of the top moments in my life. The atmosphere was unbeatable. Hopefully we do win a bid for WC 2018!!
one of the top moments in your life Richie ??? And not THE top moment of your life? It was pretty amazing. I think more amazing than conceving children.
ReplyDeleteum i think he is exagerating a bit
ReplyDelete"then suddenly in 2000 it all just clicked"
did i miss something in portugal's soccer history?
i guess they got better
but not because of the reasons he said
he thinks that they got tougher and gritty
but they really just got more talent and skill
I'm gay so keep that in mind while considering my opinion
My favorite moment in Portugal's history was when Figo analled me after their big run in Euro 2004
ReplyDeletemy fondest memory was coming so close to taking the cup.....and then walking around porto the next day and it was like the whole city had died =(.....all of the spirit was gone...and flags/monuments/souvenirs still everywhere...
ReplyDeleteI'm a firm believer that since before 1966, Portugal has had the talent to qualify for every single tournament. That, unfortunately, was not the case. The great teams of the 80's did not progress as far as the country would've liked them to, and lack of qualifying until Euro 96 was disappointing for sure.
ReplyDeleteAlthough that was a great tournament where we reached the quarterfinals, I agree whole heartedly that in 2000 something special happened. I always call it the goal that changed Portuguese soccer.
Granted that the talent of the time was greater as the 'golden generation' had hit their prime, that goal along with the two comeback stunners that came afterwards resulted in a crucial win.
I agree that in becoming semi-finalists that year set a tone for the future selections since; that we could and should challenge every year.
I'll also make a comment on that WC 2002, I aint scurred. That team, in my opinion, was the most talented squad Portugal has ever assembled. If EVER there was a year to win the world cup, it should have been that year. YES, I think it's better than the 66 squad, the 84 and 86 squads, AND the 04, 06, 08, and 2010 squads. It was devastating what happened that year, and I will forever wonder what could have happened in the knockout rounds if only one less goal was conceded or one more scored against either USA or S. Korea.
sigh.....
My favorite snapshot ever taken of anyone on the national team, from any match they played in was the upercut to the ref's abdomen by Joao Pinto lol
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