By Jordan Raanan, My Sportsbook Soccer Editor
Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Portugal ironically lost the opening match of EURO 2004 against Greece, now its opposition in the final match of the competition.
That loss sent panic throughout the host country. The Portuguese were again going to fail in a major competition -- on their home turf no less. Wrong!
Much was expected from star midfielder Luis Figo and the 'golden generation' of Portuguese football over the past 10-plus years. Major titles were supposed to be obtained with the help of the talented youngsters that won the 1991 Under-20 championships. Coming into this year those expectations were thus far comprehensively unfulfilled.
Portugal did make it to the semifinals of the 2000 European Championships, but it superseded that effort with a flop in the 2002 World Cup. The Portuguese, under the misguided direction of Antonio Oliveira, were unable to handle the pressure of difficult situations, a mandatory attribute that championship teams must possess. Because, realistically, no squad cruises through such difficult competitions without encountering some adversity.
Enter coach Luis Felipe Scolari to settle the uncertainties that haunted the Portuguese squad in the past. So far Scolari, a World Cup winning coach with Brazil in 2002, and company have been able to stay on course during this year's historic European Championships. His calming influence and tactical brilliance has already earned the Portuguese their first ever appearance in the final of a major international competition. Now they will attempt to attain their first ever title in a major international competition.
"We knew after our defeat against Greece that we could no longer afford any more mistakes," midfielder Maniche explained. "That loss made us more determined and gave us more strength."
Portugal originally displayed its effervescence when it rebounded from the loss to Greece by predictably besting Russia several days later. It then faced a due-or-die match against rival Spain with history against it in its final group stage contest. Spain had owned the lopsided rivalry coming into the game, but Portugal again took care of business with a vital victory that propelled it into the next round.
Next up for the hosts was a talented English side. Portugal again showed its poise by bouncing back after allowing an early goal to head into extra time even at 1-1. It looked like the Portuguese would advance when they scored in extra time. Not so fast. England answered with a goal before the session ended and the match went into a penalty shootout.
It would not have been shocking to see Portugal, distraught by the missed opportunity in the extra period, to crumble under the intense pressure. Once again it did not, outlasting England and moving into the semifinals.
"There is a strong spirit in our dressing room, mostly because of the presence of Rui Costa, Figo and Fernando Couto," striker Nuno Gomes explained of the team's elder statesmen.
Rui Costa, 32, Figo, 31, and Couto, 34, are all running out of time with Portugal's national team. A victory on Sunday night in Lisbon might allow the trio to go out with a bang.
"Nobody deserves to be in the final more than they do," Gomes continued on.
Unmitigated pressure was still on Portugal when it took on the Netherlands in the semifinals, a matchup of two teams that lost in the semifinals of the last European Championships back in 2000. Portugal got what it deserved from the match -- a victory -- after a brilliant performance that propelled it into the final of the competition.
Now, though, the scrutiny continues for the home side. It comes into the final of the competition as the heavy favorite while playing in front of what is expected to be a raucous crowd at the Luz Stadium. A crowd that so badly craves the chance to celebrate a title with their heroes.
Greece surely should not be overlooked given its defensive brilliance. But don't expect Portugal to fold like a tent with the spotlight on it. The Portuguese already had several opportunities to drop out of the tournament. Each time, however, perseverance and the calming presence of Scolari have quelled the fears of the cynical fans who crave a first ever major title.
Portugal has waited for this opportunity for years. Now, on its home turf, the Portuguese people long for a positive result that will incite a memorable celebration that will erase the memory of the earlier loss to Greece.
