Maniche keeps home fans happy

Star midfielder Maniche was overcome with joy as his wonder goal flew in for Portugal and propelled them to victory over Holland.

The Porto talisman scored from outside the area following a corner kick, firing the ball in off the post and out of the reach of Holland goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to lead the hosts to a 2-1 triumph and put them into their first ever major final.

Maniche said afterward he was thinking only about the fans as the ball hit the back of the net.

“I could only think about the numerous supporters who were cheering us on prior to the game from our team’s headquarters to the stadium,” said a smiling Maniche after the match.

“I have scored great goals but this is probably one of the best that I have netted for the national team.

“I could have crossed the ball but I opted to shoot. Seeing as Van der Sar is a tall goalkeeper, I knew that the only spot where he did not have a chance was the top corner and fortunately it went in.”

By winning the game Portugal brought to an end a run of four successive tournaments in which the hosts nations exited the European tournament at the semi-final stage.

Maniche and his team-mates were not going to let history repeat itself.

“We were not prepared to suffer the same destiny,” said Maniche. “We knew of the significance that this win had for the team and for the whole nation.

“This is a glorious moment for Portugal, a dream come true.

“To reach a final in a tournament that we are hosting is a fantastic feeling.

“None of our past national teams have achieved what we have done and we are aware of the opportunity we have in our hands.”

Maniche is not too concerned about who Portugal will face in the final with the flamboyant Czech Republic taking on surprise package Greece in the other semi-final tonight.

If Greece make it to the title showdown, Maniche insists the game will not serve as a chance for revenge. The Portuguese lost the opening game of the tournament to the Greeks.

“It is all about Portugal,” said Maniche. “I am not worried about who we will face as long as we continue to play as we have done so far, showing our best level of football.”

Maniche was well supported on the night by Luis Figo, the man-of-the-match. The Real Madrid winger had not been in the best of form and was under fire for the matter of his departure in the quarter-final victory over England.

The former FIFA world player of the year was extremely unhappy at being substituted late in that game and left the pitch for the changing room instead of joining his team-mates.

Last night, he hit the post and was a constant threat during the match. Goalkeeper Ricardo said: “Figo has played a great game.

“Despite the rumours circulating throughout the week, he has proved why is one of the best players of the world and a symbol of Portugal.”

The Portuguese players were delighted with the news that coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who guided Brazil to World Cup glory, will remain in charge of the national team for a further two years.

“We are very happy,” said defender Jorge Andrade. “He has proved what we already knew, that he is one of the best coaches in the world.

“The tactical changes he has made throughout the tournament have proved crucial and it has certainly worked in our favour.

“He has given us so much confidence to help us succeed.”