How would penalty shoot-out look like? Would Eduardo manage to save something? And Casillas? He didn't seem as sharp as always, he let the ball out of his hand a few times. But well, Casillas is Casillas, he had also good saves in this game. But I think Portuguese players could have scored in the first half.
In a way I have what I wanted. I wanted Eduardo to be brilliant. He was better than I expected. In the first minute of the game he had to defend Villa's save. Two next in no more than five minutes span. He made 9 saves in total. He did everything he could to stop Spain. But again it turned out that sometimes everyting, what goalkeeper do, is not enough, because there is 11 players on the field, and they all have to work together.
A lot of critics toward the coach and the team in Portuguese press and at sport pages... and good words about Eduardo's perfromance. He was noticed even at Polish sport pages I read. Amazing, a goalkeeper of the team which was eliminated at 1/8 is in a spotlight. Hope he is going to play in a big club. Already some offers appeares, heard about Bayern Monachium. Bundesliga, Premier League - fine for me, would be possible to watch his matches in tv every month ;)
In the field - very good work of Fábio Coentrão. Ronaldo was practically invisible. Hugo Almeida tried to do something on the front, but only two or three attempt looked like an occasion to score. The defensive seemed to be a bit lost at the beginning, bet Eduardo had to yell a lot to them, to put them on the place. After the first few minutes of the game Portugal defense was more effective in blocking the way to Eduardo's goal. First half for Portugal. Then the second and Simao's mistake. One step behind Villa. Eduardo saved the first attempt, but Villa managed to finish the shot. I though: "It's finished". Indeed it was.
Spain was not great yesterday. It was possible to beat them, although they were superior to Portugal. But Portugal was not strong enough, could only stop their attack, wasn't a real threat. 1-0 is not a bad result comparing to what they did on the pitch.
What to say more? Obrigado, Eduardo and good luck! Ricardo was a hero, when he defended penalties in penalty shoot-outs with England. You are a hero today and I strongly believe that bright future is ahead of you.
Such images repeated through the match. Defenders let Spain to come too close to the Portuguese goal way too often.
One of many saves of Eduardo that evening.
Villa scores.
What to say? Heartbreaking.
Eduardo breaks down in tears after the lost match.
A member of coaching staff consoling Eduardo.
Beto and Daniel Fernandes, the fellow goalkeepers, came to give him a hug too. Nice of them.
Casillas consoling Eduardo. He spent a while with him, talking. Nice gesture of Spain's captain.
Will later add also photos with Iker Casillas.
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