Portugal party ended by France

It wasn't supposed to happen this way. A near capacity crowd decked out in green and red, expectations sky high, the spirit of UEFA EURO 2004™ revived. Only the result was missing as France doused the home fires with a gutsy 1-0 victory at the Estádio Municipal de Braga that left Portugal in a familiar position.

Tough task
It was 50km south of here in Porto that the host nation stumbled out of the blocks in their opening game against Greece at UEFA EURO 2004™. Then, of course, Portugal recovered from their early setback to reach the final. Agostinho Oliveira's side, unbeaten in qualifying, face a stern test this time to repeat that feat. History is against them as no host nation has won the competition since the final tournament was introduced 12 years ago.

Quaresma lift
Not since the 'Golden Generation' of Luís Figo, Rui Costa and Ricardo Sá Pinto made the final of this tournament in 1994 have Portuguese supporters expected so much of an Under-21 team. Ricardo Quaresma's star shines brightest, particularly in this part of the country where FC Porto fans still find it hard to believe he is not going to the FIFA World Cup. But the riches are spread evenly amongst the nation's three best supported clubs; Manuel Fernandes impressing in the UEFA Champions League this season with SL Benfica, João Moutinho winning admirers at Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Buzz
Quaresma's presence has created a buzz around the side that, if not comparable to the excitement generated during UEFA EURO 2004™, has kept the focus on the U21s even while the seniors prepare for Germany. The World Cup can wait; Portugal have another challenge to meet first. Quaresma had his moments, showing both sides of his game in quick succession. First he was booked for a two-footed challenge on Jérémy Berthod. Then, seconds later, his opportunistic free-kick from distance was expertly tipped over by France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

Briand winner
The crowd rose to their feet; chants of "Portugal, Portugal", they even pulled off the unique feat of maintaining a Mexican wave in a two-sided stadium. But like Quaresma, the impact was not sustained. France made sure of that, thriving in their role of underdogs and taking their chance when it came. Florent Sinama-Pongolle had already hit the post and Rolando had cleared off the line from Julien Faubert when Jimmy Briand's header looped over Bruno Vale and went in via crossbar and goalkeeper. Portugal raised the tempo after the break; France, though, would never let them hit top gear.