England tumbled out of Euro 2004 last night after a penalty shoot-out in Lisbon. The winning spot-kick came from goalkeeper Ricardo after crucial misses from first David Beckham then Darius Vassell.
It was a nerve-shredding end to a controversial night in this quarter-final.
Sol Campbell appeared to have given England victory right on time when he powered in a header after his initial effort from a David Beckham free-kick had come back off the bar.
However referee Urs Meier ruled out the central defender's effort apparently for pushing.
Instead the match went into extra-time after sub Helder Postiga had cancelled out Michael Owen's opener with seven minutes remaining.
Rui Costa gave Portugal the lead only for Frank Lampard to grab the equaliser.
England lost their way for long spells after losing Wayne Rooney in the 27th minute.
Rooney was taken to hospital for X-rays on his injured ankle after being caught by Jorge Andrade as the pair challenged for a loose ball.
It was a cruel blow for the 18-year-old Everton striker, who was looking to build on his four-goal tally in a tournament he has taken by storm.
It was left for Owen to take up the baton up front and he did just that.
Owen not only made the breakthrough after three minutes with a clinical finish but worked tirelessly for the cause.
He latched onto a mistake by Andrade to loop a shot over stranded goalkeeper Ricardo.
It was the Liverpool's striker first goal of the tournament but his 26th in 60 international appearances.
Owen almost made it 2-0 after Beckham saw his chip deflected onto the roof of the net.
He made space in the area only to see his shot go narrowly over the top.
This was a good spell of pressure by England and Campbell cleared the bar with a header following a cross from Gary Neville.
Portugal hit back and Nuno Gomes headed wide following a good delivery from Nuno Valente.
Owen was growing in confidence and forced Ricardo into a fine save after a flick on from sub Darius Vassell.
Beckham, almost non-existent for much of the game - tried to release Vassell after 53 minutes, only to overhit the pass.
Ronaldo ghosted into the area but sent a header over the top and Nuno Gomes tested goalkeeper David James with a shot from close range.
In a rare counter-attack John Terry headed into Ricardo's arms after a corner from Beckham.
It was only a brief respite with James having to get down quickly to turn away a shot from Luis Figo.
Portugal equalised after 83 minutes when Tottenham striker Postiga headed home a cross from substitute Simao - something fans at White Hart Lane felt he was incapable of doing.
Then came that controversial effort from Campbell and the match went into extra time.
Rui Costa put Portugal ahead in the 110th minute with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area past James.
Frank Lampard grabbed the equaliser five minutes later when a fired home from close range after a knock down from John Terry.
But it proved to be just a brief respite as as so often in the past penalties proved to be England's downfall.
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