Portugal entered the field led by team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The game began very tentatively by both clubs, but 12 minutes into the game, Ronaldo makes a great pass to Manchester United teammate, Nani, who makes a fantastic pass to Hugo Almeida.  Almeida, however, fails to connect with the pass.

17 minutes in, Sweden has their first  real scoring opportunity of the game, but the ball is headed over the net.  Eight minutes later, Sweden has another great scoring chance, but the ball flies over the net once again.

32 minutes into the game, Cristiano Ronaldo makes a beautiful pass to Almeida.  Almeida´s shot is saved by the Swedish goaltender.  One minute later, Hugo Almeida returns the favor and sets up Ronaldo just outside Sweden´s goal, but Ronaldo´s shot flies over the net. Three minutes later, Portugal comes close yet again, however the ball is deflected out by the Swedish defense.

39 minute mark, Sweden has a fantastic scoring opportunity, but the ball is headed wide of the net.

First half ends in a 0-0 draw.

51 minutes into the game, Moutinho strikes a hard shot from outside the box, but the ball flies just wide of the Swedish goal.  Three minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo makes a great short pass inside the Swedish box to Paulo Ferreira.  Ferreira appears to be kicked in the chest area by a Swedish defender.  The apparent Penalty is not called by the Italian referee.

64 minutes in, Hugo Almeida is replaced by Ricardo Quaresma.

77 minute mark, Portugal goalkeeper, Quim, makes a great save.  Three minutes later, Quaresma receives yellow card.

82 minutes in, Portugal once again comes close inside the Swedish box, the short pass is deflected out by the Swedish defense.

85 minutes in, Danny comes in for Nani.

89 minutes in, Ricardo Quaresma shoots, but his shot flies over the net.

The game ends in a 0-0 draw.

Portugal confronted Germany in the first quarter final of this year’s Euro competition on Thursday June 19.

Germany started the game well with a couple of quick goals, but the third and winning goal from the German side created much controversy. Goal scorer, Michael Ballack, had clearly pushed Portuguese defender Paulo Ferreira out of the way to gain an advantage, and score the winner. The controversial goal created frustration for the Portuguese, including Manager Scolari, who had signaled to the referee of the offense to no avail.

Portugal controlled the second half of the game, both in possession and scoring chances but weren’t able to tie the game. Portugal played the beautiful game that the world has come to know, but weren’t able to capitalize against the methodical Germans, who were content on capitalizing on the counter attack, like Turkey in game 1. It is a disappointment to all Portugal fans, but the Portuguese can hold their heads up knowing that their team had never given up, and had come so close to scoring the tie on numerous occasions. It will be sad to see the best team in Euro 2008 not be there at the final.

In other news:

Portuguese winger, Cristiano Ronaldo admitted after the game that he had been playing with a foot injury for the last three months and will need surgery to correct the problem in his foot.

The Italian daily, Tuttosport has calculated Portugal to be the most expensive team to buy at this year’s Euro tournament. Combining paid transfer fees, release clauses and realistic player value estimates, Tuttosport has come up with a figure of €300m for the Portuguese Squad. Spain is the only other participating country who come close to that honor.

Cristiano Ronaldo is valued at €100m (speculated Real Madrid offer to Manchester United), which is a slight increase from €83m ‘intrinsic value’ which was recently published by The University of Navarra, in Spain.

Ricardo Quaresma has a written ‘buy-out’ clause in his contract of €40m. should he leave, FC Porto will receive 75% of that.

Nani and Simao went for a total of €45.5m between the pair. Nani moving to Manchester United and Simao to Atletico Madrid a year ago.

Deco and young rising star, Moutinho are said to be valued in the 8 figure range if they leave their respective clubs this summer.

Jose Bosingwa is going to Chelsea next year. Chelsea paid a price of €25m. Other Chelsea men, Ricardo Carvalho at €30m and Paulo Ferreira €20m.

Pepe moved on to Real Madrid at a price of €30m.

Portugal’s National teams are known for playing the “Beautiful Game”, filled by great passes and individual dribbling skills. At prices like these, it seems that Portuguese players will be entertaining for their supporters and neutrals alike.

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