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Portugal Gets Big Moment Instead of Brazil
"He's enriched us, increased our confidence," Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo Pereira said. "Every ship has its captain, and he's ours."
Portugal does have some major stars: Ronaldo with Manchester United, Luis Figo with Internazionale of Milan and Pedro Pauleta with Paris-Saint Germain. And, with many Portuguese immigrants in the area, the team is getting a boost from its supporters.
  Portugal's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari talks to his players during their training session in Marienfeld, Germany, Monday, July 3, 2006. Portugal will play against France in their World Cup semifinal match in Munich, on Wednesday, July 5th. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill - AP)   Zinedine Zidane could face disciplinary action Thursday for his head butt on Marco Materazzi. Brazil Coach Alberto Parreira quits following a disappointing World Cup. Zidane apologizes for his head butt during the final, saying he was provoked by insults about his mother and sister. Italian soccer power Juventus is one of three teams demoted from Serie A to Serie B following a match-fixing scandal. Juergen Klinsmann resigns as Germany's coach after leading his native country to a third-place finish. France cheers on Zinedine Zidane but still wonders what provoked his head-butt. The 2006 World Cup had too many red cards and stoppages in play. Championship could help boost Italy's economy. Italian fans enjoy their country's World Cup title. The World Cup final television ratings are the best since 1994. Italy wins its fourth World Cup title, beating France 5-3 in only the second final decided by a shootout. After 31 days and 64 matches, the championship of the world's most popular sports event came down to one moment. Italian goalkeeper Gianlugi Buffon finishes the World Cup not having allowed a goal from the other team in the run of play. MULTIMEDIAPost's Jon DeNunzio and Jason La Canfora review the championship game. XM Satellite Radio's Dave Johnson calls of the key moments in Italy's win. U.S. REPORT After eight years at the helm, Bruce Arena, pictured, will not be back as coach of the U.S. soccer team. Video: The challenges facing soccer in the United States and ways to improve its national standing. U.S. Soccer Federation president, Sunil Gulati, defends Coach Bruce Arena. Arena draws the ire of the MLS. Arena weighs his next move. Though a commercial success at home, the U.S. team's performance in Germany is a disappointment. The Americans are eliminated after a 2-1 loss to Ghana. » Match Report WORLD CUP JOURNAL The road has reached Germany, and Post staffers continue to keep you updated with the latest tidbits. Save & Share |
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A large crowd welcomed the team when it arrived in Germany on June 4, and about 12,000 fans attended an early workout.
"That gave us a real kick," winger Simao Sabrosa said.
On June 18, a day after Portugal beat Iran to earn a place in the second round, 10,000 or so supporters filled the stadium in Guetersloh and celebrated in the traditional Portuguese pregame manner _ eating sardines and pork steaks.
Portugal is staying at a hotel adjoining a 12th-century Cistercian monastery in Marienfeld, north of Gelsenkirchen, and there's even a training field on the hotel grounds, which are encircled by trees. Helicopters from a British military base fly overhead, and the day has an unusual start.
"The players are only woken up at 7:49 a.m. by the church bells ringing. We hope we can still hear them ringing on July 8," Scolari said, referring to the day before the final.
Unlike the other semifinalists, Portugal has a limited list of triumphs and is making only its fourth World Cup appearance.
At the club level, FC Porto won the European Champions Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 1987 and 2004, and Benfica won the Champions Cup in 1961 and 1962. Porto also won the lesser UEFA Cup in 2003 and Sporting Lisbon won the Cup Winners Cup in 1964.
The team is led offensively by Pauleta, nicknamed the "Eagle of the Azores." With 47 goals in 86 international appearances, he last year broke Eusebio's previous Portuguese record of 41 goals.
"We have been together now for about three years," Pauleta said, "and we're desperately keen to show our country that they can rely on us and we'll do everything we can to ensure dignity for the national team."
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Associated Press Writers Barry Hatton and Tales Azzoni in Marienfeld contributed to this report.