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Portuguese football fans celebrate their team victory in the Euro 2004 semi-final football match against The Netherlands in centre of Lisbon, 30 June 2004. AFP PHOTO Dimitar DILKOFF

Fans danced with joy in Lisbon's central square and no doubt the length and breadth of the nation after their 2-1 semi-final win over Holland on Wednesday. This fan is confident his heroes can win the next match too, which will be against either the Czech Republic or Greece.

Portuguese defender Jorge Andrade (L) and Dutch forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy go for a header, 30 June 2004 during their European Nations Championship semi-final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the Estadio Jose de Alvalade in Lisbon. AFP PHOTO Hrvoje POLAN

Jorge Andrade had his hands full marking Holland's Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Portuguese scored an own goal in the 63rd minute whilst under pressure from him to hand a lifeline to the Dutch at 2-1.

(L-R) Portugal's midfielder Costinha, defender Ricardo Carvalho and defender Fernando Couto celebrate as Dutch captain Phillip Cocu (R) looks dejected, 30 June 2004 after their European Nations championships semi-final football match between Portugal and the Netherlands at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon. Portugal won 2-1. AFP PHOTO Francois Xavier MARIT

Portugal made the final of Euro 2004 on Wednesday with a 2-1 defeat of Holland. Here veteran Fernando Couto carries off a teammate, another giant of the Portugal side, Luis Figo, played a huge role in his side's win.

Dutch captain Phillip Cocu (C) kicks the ball by Portuguese defender Miguel, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, during the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal.

Holland and Portugal played out a thrilling semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday won 2-1 deservedly by the Portuguese. Here Holland captain Phillip Cocu gives his all in a tight spot.

Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho (L) vies with Dutch forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy (C) next to Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf , 30 June 2004 during their European Nations Championship semi-final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the Estadio Jose de Alvalade in Lisbon. AFP PHOTO Hrvoje POLAN

An own goal got the Netherlands back into it at 2-1 as the first semi-final heated up on Wednesday. Ruud van Nistelrooy's Dutch took heart and were suddenly giving Portugal a real old battle.

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (R) heads the ball to score the opening goal, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, during the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Lluis GENE

Manchester United's starlet Cristiano Ronaldo was quickest to react from a Portugal corner heading his side into a 1-0 first-half lead over the Netherlands in semi-final action.

Dutch forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy tries to get past Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho (L) and Miguel (R), 30 June 2004 during their European Nations Championship semi-final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the Estadio Jose de Alvalade in Lisbon. AFP PHOTO Hrvoje POLAN

Ruud van Nistelrooy was active for the Netherlands during first-half action and even had the ball in the net only for the linesman to rule out the effort for offside. Portugal lead 1-0 thanks to a header from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids looks at the ball, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, during the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Javier SORIANO

Edgar Davids of the Netherlands looks on in the heat of semi-final action against Portugal. Challenges were flying in as a Cristiano Ronaldo header had Portugal in front at the break.

Portuguese midfielder Deco (foreground) controls the ball in front of Dutch midfielder Phillip Cocu, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, during the Euro 2004 semi final match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Franck FIFE

Portugal's Deco struggles to hold off the challenge off Dutch skipper Phillip Cocu during Wednesday's semi-final. The hosts led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo header.

Portugal head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari celebrates with Brazil and Portuguese flag after Portugal beat England, 24 June 2004 during their European Nations Championship quarter-final football match between Portugal and England at the Estadio Da Luz in Lisbon.

With expecatations sky-high for Portugal before Euro 2004 got underway, it was always going to be a demanding task for Luiz Felipe Scolari to meet public demand. Not many fans are complaining now however as the team are on the brink of the final.

Dutch player,Ruud van Nistelrooy is seen during a training session in Albufeira, 28 june 2004, at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Portugal and Netherlands will play the Euro 2004 semi-final 30 June 2004 at Alvalade stadium in Lisbon.

Ruud van Nistelrooy already had a respected reputation as one of the greatest goalscorers in European club football. Now he has shown his talents on the international stage carrying the Netherlands to a semi-final date with Portugal on Wednesday.

A Portuguese supporter waits for the beginning of the Euro 2004 semi-final football match between Portugal and the Netherlands, 30 June 2004 at Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS

This Portugal fan did all he could to protect himself from the sun Wednesday while his side did their bit on the pitch, earning a place in their first ever international final with a worthy 2-1 win over Holland.