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Portugal v Holland - SUMMARY

Figo inspires Portugal as Dutch sent packing

A virtuoso performance from Luis Figo inspired Portugal to a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands that booked the Euro 2004 hosts' place in the first major final in the country's history.

Dutch head coach Dick Advocaat watches the game 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
Dutch head coach Dick Advocaat watches the game 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
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) heads the ball past Dutch goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar to score the opening goal, 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
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) heads the ball past Dutch goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar to score the opening goal, 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

A 26th minute header from Cristiano Ronaldo and a stunning strike by midfielder Maniche just before the hour mark secured the victory.

But skipper Figo in his 109th appearance for Portugal was undoubtedly the match, brilliantly orchestrating Portugal's best performance so far in the tournament.

A freak own goal by centre-back Jorge Andrade ensured the home supporters had to endure a nerve-tingling finale.

Dutch defender Giovanni Van Bronckhorst fights for the ball with Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo (R) 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
Dutch defender Giovanni Van Bronckhorst fights for the ball with Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo (R) 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

But the Dutch never seriously threatened to delay the start of one of the biggest nights of celebrations in Lisbon's history.

Portugal's Brazilian head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari (foreground) celebrates with his players, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, at the end of the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Portugal won the match 2 to 1 and will play the final game of the competition. AFP PHOTO FRANCOIS GUILLOT
Portugal's Brazilian head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari (foreground) celebrates with his players, 30 June 2004 at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, at the end of the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Portugal and The Netherlands at the European Nations championship in Portugal. Portugal won the match 2 to 1 and will play the final game of the competition. AFP PHOTO FRANCOIS GUILLOT

Twice in the period of sustained pressure which preceded the goal, Figo broke clear of their backline in exhilarating fashion and whipped in dangerous low crosses that, first Ronaldo and then Pauleta, were frustratingly close to meeting.

Ruud van Nistelrooy thought he had scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the 39th minute but his low drive from just inside the area was chalked off for offside.

Portugal responded through Figo, who sidestepped van Bronckhorst on the edge of the box and curled a left foot shot on to the post.

Dutch goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar (blue jersey) fails to catch the kick by Portuguese midfielder Maniche (not pictured), 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. Maniche scored the second goal after this kick. AFP PHOTO Francois GUILLOT
Dutch goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar (blue jersey) fails to catch the kick by Portuguese midfielder Maniche (not pictured), 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. Maniche scored the second goal after this kick. AFP PHOTO Francois GUILLOT

Another chance went begging ten minutes after the interval when Pauleta was sent racing clear of the Dutch back four only to thump his shot straight into the abdomen of van der Sar.

Three minutes later Portugal finally got the second goal their efforts deserved. After picking up a short corner from Ronaldo just outside the corner of the Dutch box, Maniche unleashed an angled left-foot drive that dipped over van der Sar and into the net off the far post.