Portugal Ends Le Oranje Dreams of Euro 2012 Quarterfinals

Portugal (28', 74' Cristiano Ronaldo) 2 – 1 (11' Van der Vaart) Netherlands

At last, at last.  Cristiano Ronaldo scores at last.  The 27-year-old silenced critics this Sunday with an inspiring performance, scoring in both halves and effectively taking the Netherlands out of the Euro 2012 competition.  Critics had already written the Real Madrid man off as one of the tournament's flops and biggest disappointments, but Cristiano served their words back on a silver platter.  And on what better day to deliver than on his son's second birthday?

Rafael Van der Vaart got things started in Kharkiv, breaking the deadlock at the 11' minute mark, putting the Netherlands ahead of their opponents 1-0.  However, the men of A Selecção improved thereon after, proving themselves to be the deadly force I had come to associate them as over the years.  After minutes of pressing forward and a flurry of opportunities later, Cristiano would negate his former RM teammate's goal following a superb assist from João Pereira.

Now tied 1-1, the Dutch needed two clear goals to stand a chance of progressing further in the competition.  Coach Bert van Marwijk utilized a more attacking lineup up against the Portuguese in comparison to the lineups in previous matches.  Still yet, his men could not penetrate Portugal's defense. 

The second half showed a more subdued Dutch side, who were notably less involved as they were too busy dealing with Portugal's attacks.  And what dangerous attacks they were!  Cristiano, who looked lethal throughout the match, could have scored a hattrick by this time, but woodwork and linesmen denied him the opportunities.

Not to worry.  The No.7 would not be denied for much longer.  Dutch defense – rather, lack thereof – would suffer at the feet of the Portuguese all-star.  Nani sent the ball Cristiano's way, who easily weaved through le Oranje's back line and shot right past Stekelemburg.

The minutes wound down and one could see the panic in the eyes of the Dutch, their chances of staying in the competition slipping away.  In spite of their efforts, the men were unable to score against Portugal.  And finally... the whistle.  Portugal with a 2-1 victory.

The result would have Portugal advancing as second in Group B, a.k.a. the Group of Death.  Paulo Bento's men will now face Group A winner's, the Czech Republic, in the knockout stage.  Parabens, senhores!  Parabens!

written by Gail Hidalgo