And then there was pain...

Hot on the heels of being told that I'm getting moved from days to night shift next week (11pm - 7am goddamn that sucks), I rushed home to view the soccer game between England and Portugal. When I arrived the English were defending a 1-0 lead courtesy of an absolutely brilliant goal by Owen.

The Portugeese were able to tie it up as the end neared, and then avoided elimination when an English goal was called back due to interference. Deadlocked at 1, the two teams began their two 15 minute overtime periods under the Silver Goal rule.

Early in the 2nd 15, Portugal scored the go-ahead goal, and the Portugese fans began to celebrate their imminent victory. But it was not to be, as a down but certainly not out English side showed a lot of heart in coming back with a goal to tie the game back up.

The game went into shootouts, and the teams were still tied after the first 5 shots were taken: 4-4. The fates were smiling upon Portugal though, and Ricardo was able to steal the spotlight in a game filled with highlight reel moments. The Portugal goaltender played the unique role of not only saving the shot that gave his team the chance to win - but scoring the goal that won as well. Certainly not a feat a lot of goaltenders can lay claim to!

In the end, I give due congratulations to Portugal, they played well (damnit). I also applaud England for playing some great soccer through the tournament (The England/Croatia match was one of the best of the tourney), and for making a good showing of themselves - even without tournament scoring leader Wayne Rooney they nearly pulled it through. Fine job boys, only 2 years until Germany :D.

I suppose the only good thing about the result is that I don't have to worry about the possibility of facing a split allegiance match between Holland and England in the semi-finals. Holland plays Sweden on Saturday (GO HOLLAND!!!), with the winner of that moving on to play Portugal. I think Holland vs Portugal would be a truly wonderful match - Especially if the Dutch were to come out on top and head to the Finals against the Czech Republic.

I say the Czech Republic because it would be just that kind of poetic ending, with the growing rivalry between the two teams and the quality of the last match - a final would be absolutely glorious. (In the case that England had made it to the finals I would have wished for a England/France final to make it perfect.)

In closing, I'd like everyone (Even you Jon :P) to join me in a sad wave to the good English players. It was a good effort.