MATCH 01 REVIEW : PORTUGUESE FREEZE ON BIG STAGE

The weight of expectation, built up over two years, proved far too much for the Portuguese team to handle in the opening game of UEFA EURO 2004™. Up against a surprisingly confident and well-organised Greek team, Luiz Felipe Scolari's men had no answers to the problems they posed.

Lack of belief
An early goal in each half sucked the life and belief out of the host nation, for whom Luís Figo stood out for his endeavour; but until substitutes Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco appeared for the second half, the Real Madrid CF star was conspicuously short of supporting actors.

Basinas converts
Greece, on the other hand, had to pinch themselves after Angelos Basinas put them 2-0 up in the 51st minute from a penalty. It was conceded by Ronaldo for a foul on Giourkas Seitaridis, playing on what could soon be his home ground if he makes his expected move from Panathinaikos FC later in the summer.

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