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Portugal going far; England folds
Posted: Monday June 12, 2000 06:25 PM
Luis Figo dealt England a stunning blow with a long-range strike to inspire a superb comeback and remind the world once more why Portugal has often been dubbed the Brazil of Europe. That term might now be something of a cliche. But cliches become such because they are basically good phrases overused -- adages that ring true. The fluid and cutting Portuguese attacks in recovering from a 2-nil deficit would have made Brazil proud as they helped produce the best match of the tournament so far. The Portuguese deserved the win and, thanks to their flair and panache, more than deserved being mentioned in the same breath as the mighty Brazilians -- for this night at least. England played its part in the entertainment, of course. David Beckham initially stole the show, appearing to finally produce the goods on the international stage as he so often does for Manchester United. Two Beckham crosses, two goals -- just 15 minutes gone. But Portugal has not been named the darkhorse of the tournament by all and sundry for no reason. Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and especially Figo all played a major part in a marvelous fightback, which had their team level by halftime and ahead by the hour mark.
Beckham faded. England folded. The English did their best to retaliate. That typical bulldog spirit and all. But they lacked the Portuguese pace and invention. They were pedestrian in comparison. And they didn't have Figo. England still has Germany and Romania to come, so it is far from out of it if the earlier 1-1 draw in Group D is anything to go by. But I wouldn't bet on their progression.
Portugal, though, I would gladly put money on for a run to the quarterfinals and beyond -- as long as Figo can shine and his teammates sparkle just half as much alongside him. Phil Jones is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International. Jones is part of the World Sport crew that is in the Netherlands and Belgium covering Euro 2000.
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