Lisbon Lions-tamer throws England to jaws of defeat

THE climactic moment of an exhilarating night of high drama in the Estadio da Luz last night was theatrical in its extravagance.

England bowed out of the European Championship of 2004 with heads held high, their brave pitch at glory denied by an inspired Portugal before an enthralled audience.

This was not just a football match, this was entertainment that was savage in its intensity and riveting in its tension. It stretched to 120 thrilling minutes, produced goals of rare brilliance and was only decided in a penalty shoot-out of outrageous melodrama.