Host nation deflated after defeat

There was dismay in the Portuguese press on Sunday as the host nation digested the 2-1 defeat by Greece in the Euro 2004 tournament opener that has severely compromised their hopes of qualification for the knockout stages.

The setback at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao has deflated the football fever that had spread through Portugal in the weeks leading up to the biggest event the country has ever staged.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, stagefright and even Italian referee Pierluigi Collina were blamed for the defeat – even though basic defensive errors were responsible for both goals.

O Jogo, with a front-page photograph of Cristiano Ronaldo apparently raising both hands together in prayer and his moist eyes towards heaven, trumpeted: “Have faith”.

A Bola newspaper had three photographs of anguished Portuguese players Nuno Gomes, Rui Jorge and Deco with the headline “N-A-O”(no).

The third sports daily Record followed O Jogo in striking a more positive note with the words: “Pick yourselves up”.

However, photos of Ronaldo and Fernando Couto with their heads in their hands and Luis Figo being consoled by Scolari left no doubt of the disappointment for the hosts – who have never reached a major final.

On the inside pages there was pointed criticism of Scolari, playing his first competitive game since leading his homeland Brazil to World Cup glory in Yokohama two years ago after 18 months of friendlies.

Many pointed out Portugal only looked dangerous when Nuno Gomes came on and the Portuguese changed to 4-4-2 from the 4-2-3-1 system they had started with.

The Benfica striker joined Pedro Pauleta, who had been alone up front, and finally the chances started to come.

Record’s pundit Manuel Fernandes wrote: “In the last throw of the dice, Portugal opted for a 4-4-2 system and looked stronger.

“Ronaldo deserved his goal but it does not take any merit away from the Greeks who deserved their win.”

A Bola tried to cheer up its readers with some irony, saying: “Dear readers, we have good news for you – it can’t possibly get any worse.”

The media has already picked a team to play Russia although Scolari will doubtless have his own ideas.

Manuel Rui Costa’s woeful performance saw him replaced at half-time and Deco could start as playmaker.

Many in Portugal would also like to see Ricardo Carvalho, outstanding in Porto’s triumphant Champions League campaign, come into the side at the expense of Jorge Andrade in central defence.

If Nuno Gomes does come in alongside Pauleta that could mean a midfielder would drop out – probably Maniche.

There was some criticism of Collina for turning down a penalty appeal for a foul on Nuno Gomes but the papers failed to mention the Italian official did not punish Jorge Andrade for what appeared to be a last-man offence on Angelos Charisteas. The non-sporting press also joined in the misery with O Comercio do Porto showing a dismayed-looking Scolari with the headline: “What are you going to do now, Scolari?”