UEFA European Championship Portugal

Portugal Euro 2008 Team History and Overview

Portugal made their entrance into international football in 1921, when they challenged Spain in Madrid.

The Portuguese national team, nicknamed Equipa das Quinas, played their first FIFA World Cup in 1966. Portugal ended up in third position after losing the semi final match against England (2 – 1). Since then they have managed to qualify for a further three World Cups in 1986, 2002 and 2006.

During the 2006 World Cup, Portugal was given the Most Entertaining Team award. The most memorable match of the tournament was undoubtedly the ’Round of 16’ encounter with the Netherlands, which the press affectionately dubbed ‘The Battle of Nuremburg’. A record breaking number of cards were handed out during the match - 16 yellow and four red. Four footballers were sent off the field and two Portuguese players were suspended from subsequent matches. However, Portugal defeated Holland 2 -1.

In the next match, the fragmented Portuguese side managed to beat England in a penalty shootout to earn themselves a place in the semi final round, their first since 1966. With key players still missing due to the suspensions imposed earlier, Portugal lost 3 – 1 to Germany and finished the tournament in fourth place. They were still welcomed as national heroes on their return home.

The Portuguese team has participated in the UEFA European Football Championships four times. Portugal hosted Euro 2004 and finished in second position after losing narrowly to Greece in the final. Click here for details on the Portugal Euro 2008 Team.

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