Portugal 1 Spain 0

Portugal 1 Spain 0
Commentary by J.Chiam

“This is war. Either we win, or we die.” These are the words of Luis Fellipe Scholari, manager of the Portuguese when interviewed about the match. The stakes are enormous, and both teams know before the game that either one of them will have to go home devastated. Portugal having lost the first game to Greece, have two options. Win, and proceed to the next round, as expected by every Portuguese citizen, and perhaps the whole world, and Lose, to become the only team other than Bulgaria to be the first host to lose in the group stages.
The build-up to the game is intense. The game is now personal. Portuguese media has worsen the pressure on the players by adding oil to the fire, claiming and somehow relating the game to ancient history, where the Spaniards invaded Portugal. Spain media in retaliation, pointed fingers at Portugal, claiming that they should be the host. Both managers pondered heavily upon tactics, and most importantly, strengthening the mental strength of the players, making sure that they will be able to withstand the pressure cooker atmosphere on the pitch.
Both teams popped up surprises in the starting line-up. The most surprising of all is the introduction of young and fiery Fernando Torres in place of their sharp-shooter Fernando Morientes. Scholari, from the pressure of the public, had to opt for Christiano Ronaldo, and fielded play-maker Deco instead of AC Milan midfielder Rui Costa. Defender Couto is out as well. Raul regained his place despite of poor performances from the pass games.
Once all players were on the field, famous Swiss referee Andre Frisk took a glance on his watch, and blew his whistle. From then on you could sense tension, the concern and prayers from all Portuguese supporters a midst all the shouting and cheering. Both teams started rather nervously, making silly mistakes, probably from the burden that has been placed on their shoulders from both countries. But once everyone got their legs all warm up, the game started to get interesting.
Portugal made used and relied heavily upon one of their strengths, their wings. Galatico Luis Figo and teen-sensation Christiano Ronaldo flanked the wings as if it was their back-yard. While Figo used his experience and dribbling skills to get pass his markers, Ronaldo made full use of his youth, bursting down pitch with speed and dance-like feet. Spain were back-pedaling most of the first half, and had their hands full defending from every Portuguese assault. They had their chances though, with Raul coming close several times.
Inspirational play-maker Deco of Porto worked well with this fellow club mates on the midfield, trying his best to supply the ball to striker Pauleta. Though Spain spent a lot of time defending, they were dangerous on the counter attack, and had the Portuguese crowd grasping for breathe every time they nearly scored. Vicente of Valencia was always dangerous, and had constant battles with Portuguese right-back Miguel. At the stroke of half-time, both teams were still held with a goalless draw, and it is time to talk tactics and pet talks by their managers.
At the start of the second half, Scholari unleashed danger-man Nuno Gomes in place of unconvincing Pauleta, probably a move which resembles the wooden Trojan horse of Troy. Gomes terrorized the Spanish defence like a unchained wild animal, and probably it took the best out of Madrid duo Helguera and Casillas to keep the scoreline safe for them. Portugal having know weakness of Spanish defence, inexperience left-back Raul Bravo, often used it to their advantage. Bravo kept his nerve, but was often outclassed by the daft and whizzy wingers.
At the stroke of an hour, then came move that might even resurrect a dead Portuguese. Deco made a clean pass to Figo, who found Gomes with two defenders on his back. Passing the ball to him, he made a dash forward, but Gomes had other plans. With two defenders harassing his back, he right-footed the ball to his left, and suddenly struck the ball with all his might. The ball whizzed between one defender’s legs, and though Casillas made a full body stretch, it hit the most right side of the goal mouth. The whole of Portugal erupted. Spanish supporters stared in half-belief. The score line has changed. One nil.
Spain now hit back with everything they’ve got. Now, its “score or die” for them. Finally, Spain has come out to play. Attacking dangerously, Portugal players have no time to celebrate, always their attackers at bay. Out came Fernando Morientes of Spain, in hope of regaining their pride. Spain attacked and attacked, but the Portuguese stubbornly held out. Then came solid Baraja to provide midfield strength, and Portuguese had their heart-at-the-mouth moments. Spain struck the post not once but twice, and were cursing their luck for this moments. Portugal defended with their lives, protecting the precious goal they’ve fought so hard for.
Rest of the game was packed with action. Portugal had 3 glorious chance to seal the game, but somehow missed the open target unbelievably. At the end, the final whistle is blown. Portugal finally made up for their past mistake. Spain, with their talented players, have failed their country again to land an achievement since their past glory-filled days.
Portugal have not won against Spain for a long, long time. Yet traditions can still be broken, and it is awesome to sometimes watch low minnows defeat giants. But Portugal shouldn’t count their chickens before they hatch. The road to victory still remains long, and harder as ever. One concern is their defence. Though they managed to hold out the Spaniards, but it is shaky and not solid enough. Their defenders should boost up their performances. Unreliable keeper Ricardo should stop making wrong decisions in goal keeping. Against probably opponents such as the mighty French, where midfield-playmaker-maestro Zidane mesmerizes his opponents, and English Player of the Year, FIFA world player of the year runner-up, Thiery Henry shreds defences, it is concern Scholari should ponder upon.
To conclude, it was an exciting match, one can even say, adrenaline-pumping match. It is interesting to see the host fighting for their dignity and pride. Fighting for their people. Fighting not to disappoint them, or dash their hopes. This is what Euro is about. It is not only about football, it is about fighting to honor your country, it is about dignity, integrity and honor.