By Myles Palmer
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PORTUGAL beat England on penalties last night after a 2-2 draw.
England learned nothing from the France game.
A gift goal early on,from a suicidal backpass header by Costinha, a fast spin and power flick by Owen, 1-0 after three minutes.
Again, England defended, conceded a Postiga header in 83, Rui Costa scored with a sensational shot after a sweet move, and Lampard equalised with a very good spin and shot after Terry knocked down Beckham’s accurate corner.
England did not have the balls to go for a second goal till Portugal had scored twice.
Ricardo took his gloves off, saved Vassell’s penalty, then banged the winner past David James.
THE BEST TEAM WON.
And Sol’s header was a good goal, except that Terry shoved his arm across Ricardo’s shoulder, preventing him from jumping.
Ricardo was not gonna get there, but he was fouled.
URS MEIER is a disgraceful homer whose whistle should be confiscated today.
He gave England nothing.
Big Phil’s substitutions worked, Svens didn’t.
Phil took off Figo.
That was a brave call.
Would Sven have taken Figo off?
Would Sven have taken Figo off?
Would Sven have taken Figo off?
Would Sven have taken Figo off?
Not in a million years.
Ashley played a blinder, kicked one off the line, and took a supercool penalty.
Sol was very good again.
But England’s midfield four were RUBBISH.
Did nothing.
Good goal by Frank.
Scholes cannot play on the left and that alone could have cost us three goals by half-time.
If Portugal had Baros they would have won 5-1.
If they had Van Nistelrooy, 7-1.
Our spirit just prolonged the agony, as it did when Arsenal lost to Benfica.
In 1989 I sat there waiting to lose, hoping it would be in 90 minutes, but it went to extra time, and so did this.
ROONEY went of with a broken metatarsal.
When Rooney went off, it was like losing four players.
It was obvious that Portugal would win.
And I’m glad they did.
I’m glad they revealed England to be the unimaginative journeymen they have always been and will always be.
We beat Switzerland and Croatia, two crap teams.
Then we lost to a good team on penalties.
Not a great team, but a good team.
England are top eight in Europe, but not top four.
Like Arsenal, really.
June 25th 2004.