Scorers

Portugal :: Ronaldo
Greece :: Karagounis, Basinas (pen)


Hmmm a bit of an upset there wouldnt you say.

Did Portugal even turn up for this game?...they were so lathargic, and disorganised. The total opposite to Greece, who even though they dont have the "talent" of Portugal, defended like a unit and were superbly organised.

In the first half Portugal left Pauletta very isolated up front, and Rui Costa disappeared so badly Big Phil was filing a missing persons report.

The second half was a big change. Bringing on Ronaldo and Deco suddenly gave Portugal options and ideas. Ronaldo tormented the defenders with his quick feet and some of Deco's passing was brilliant, but there was no end product.

Oh and dont the Portugese players play on the right??...i lost count the amount of times they had a good ball from the left with no one coming in from the right, bloody frustrating.

I gotta say too, Figo looked a shadow of the player we all come to expect to see. But you gotta be honest he's been like that for a few years now.

Anyway congrates to the Greeks. They defended in numbers, won everything in the air, were so well organised (hell if England were half as organised as that we'd win more games) and the Portugese just couldnt handle the direct way they came forward, epecially in the first half. Great opening goal too and even better taken penalty.

Well Portugal have it all to do now against Russia...a must win indeed.

Congrats to Greece, well played. Who did the Portugese think they were kidding, pissing around and strolling about the pitch. As you say, a big void up front on the right. A case of depending on 'star' players who are a bit over the hill to save the day. Now that rings a bell closer to home ... ;)

well done to the bubbles, they took charge of the game and deserved the win

I concur, the defence were all over Portugal. Some fantastic tackles, with some extremely evil ones too (from both sides).
Depressing to see that the theatrics are starting already, though.

yep. the greeks seemed to be under attack from a battalion of japanese snipers hidden throughout the crowd

I thought that was all very clever and spirited stuff from the Greeks (reminded me a bit of the Scots). Otto Rehhagel deserves a big pat on the back! - I think they could be going through.

Horay!!!

To be honest I didn't think Portugal were that bad. Well, the full-backs were, and Couto, and Costinha, and Maniche, and Rui Costa. Which meant the Greeks could boss the midfield. Figo was about the only player that looked up for it first half, second he spent too much time "doubling up" with Ronaldo, who didn't need anyone doubling up with him - what he needed was someone in the box / on the right flank for his crosses. Felt a bit sorry for Andrade playing alongside such wasters in defence, and in front of such a shit keeper. Scholari got done tacticaly as well, he'll need to pull his finger out for the next 2 games. Still think they'll qualify though. (Drop Rui Costa who's one of those players who peaked in his early/mid-20s and has been playing on his reputation ever since)
Anyway I'm supporting Greece so I'm pleased.

Well you naysayers can "nay" (?) all you want, but Portugal will make it up (but of course Italy will win the whole thing).

Portugal were poor. They looked very uncomfortable when defending, and couldn't create a chance going forward. Thye looked slightly better second half when they brought Ronaldo and Deco on, but still didn't get at the Greek defence enough for my liking.

Figo, world class? Not on that performance. Looked a lazy shadow of his former self in my opinion.

Well done to Greece.

Portugal better make it up coz I have them in the sweepstakes at work.. but last nights game left me falling asleep (I kid you not) and then I thought they were turkey for the rest of the evening for some reason... just goes to show how badly I thought they were playing.

.....Rui Costa disappeared so badly Big Phil was filing a missing persons report.

The second half was a big change. Bringing on Ronaldo and Deco suddenly gave Portugal options and ideas. Ronaldo tormented the defenders with his quick feet and some of Deco's passing was brilliant, but there was no end product.

If Rui Costa starts on Wednesday, you know there is something up in within the squad. He has been in decline for years and had another poor season. Deco looked like he was full of ideas and that something might actually come out of his play, and is cetain to start the next game.

I felt sorry for Ronaldo because he was very good when he came on but gave away the rash penalty. Portugal buckled under the pressure and rely on Figo too much. When he is off his game everyone looses confidence and thats another reason Deco should start the next game. He looks as if he is ready to take on responsibility to get the team moving again.