MATCH 25 REPORT : HOSTS HOLD THEIR NERVE

Rooney replaced
The tempo finally relented after 27 minutes but only to allow Darius Vassell to replace Rooney, who appeared to have sustained an ankle injury when he lost his boot moments earlier.

Portugal threaten
Portugal picked up where they had left off upon the restart, and in an effort to stem the continued pressure Sven-Göran Eriksson introduced Phil Neville for Paul Scholes but Portugal were almost level within moments as Deco's left-wing cross was headed back across goal by Costinha and Ronaldo outjumped Campbell only to head over.

Attacking alteration
That prompted Luiz Felipe Scolari to replace Costinha with winger Simão and the SL Benfica player fizzed a shot narrowly wide almost immediately. Portugal continued to attack but England, often with as many as eight players behind the ball, were defending valiantly.

Figo substituted
And just as England were daring to counterattack, Portugal almost levelled as Figo's rasping drive was deflected goalwards but James got down to turn the ball around the post. That was the Portuguese captain's final act as he was immediately replaced by Postiga and trudged off disconsolately.

Late equaliser
That was not quite the end for the 'golden generation' as Rui Costa came in for Miguel with 13 minutes remaining but it seemed time was running out. But with seven minutes left Simão seized on Lampard's wayward pass and crossed superbly for Postiga, who headed in unmarked. England almost claimed a sensational late winner but Campbell's header was ruled out after a foul on Ricardo by John Terry and that pulsating period of extra time beckoned.

Extra-time drama
The prevailing pattern continued as Portugal pressed but England's last-ditch defending was impressive with brave blocks denying Deco and Maniche before Rui Costa struck and Lampard levelled to force penalties.

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