During the 2004 period, the Portugal national football team had a memorable campaign in the UEFA European Championship held in Portugal. Here's an overview of their performance during that time:
UEFA Euro 2004:
-
Portugal hosted the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament. Under the management of Luiz Felipe Scolari, the team featured stars like Luís Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Deco.
-
In the group stage, Portugal was drawn into Group A alongside Greece, Spain, and Russia. They performed well, finishing at the top of their group with two wins and a draw.
-
In the knockout stage, Portugal faced England in the quarterfinals. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, and Portugal won 6-5 on penalties to advance to the semifinals.
-
In the semifinals, Portugal faced the Netherlands in a highly anticipated match. Portugal secured a 2-1 victory to advance to the final for the first time in their history.
-
In the final held at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal faced Greece in a rematch of their opening match. Despite being the favorites, Portugal suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat, finishing as runners-up in the tournament.
Legacy:
-
While Portugal's performance in the UEFA Euro 2004 ended in disappointment, their participation in the tournament brought immense pride to the nation. The team's impressive run to the final showcased their talent and determination on the European stage.
-
The tournament's legacy continues to inspire future generations of Portuguese footballers and remains a cherished memory for fans of the Seleção. Portugal's achievements in reaching the final of Euro 2004 laid the groundwork for future successes, including their triumph in the UEFA European Championship in 2016.
