The dream dies: Maarten Stekelenburg (left) and teammate Ron Vlaar react

It improved things a little but the pattern remained the same. Holland dominated possession and Portugal threatened on the break, especially when Ronaldo picked up the ball.

Moutinho might have put Portugal in control soon after the restart but was wildly off target. At the other end, an unmarked Vlaar could not keep down his header from Sneijder’s corner.

Postiga put the ball in the net from Ronaldo’s pass, only to be flagged offside, then Stekelenburg flew to his right to tip a Fabio Coentrao strike wide. He produced a wonderful save to deny Nani.

The Manchester United winger ought to have scored when he was found at the back post by Ronaldo’s low cross but the Dutch keeper flung himself across his line to block the shot.

« Previous12345678910Next »