Euro 2020: early exit for Portugal as Netherlands are dumped out by Czech Republic
- Portugal’s defence of their European Championship title ends at the last-16 stage
- Czech Republic’s love affair with the continental competition goes on as they progress to quarter-finals again
Fernando Santos’ side bowed out of the tournament earlier than they would have liked in losing 1-0 to Belgium in the last-16 but they did not go out quietly, peppering Thibaut Courtois’ goal with shots until the end and hitting the post.
Yet they lacked a cutting edge which might have disappointed fans given the assortment of world stars they had on the pitch, including Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes, €126-million man Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo.
As in their 4-2 defeat to Germany in the group stage, they were incapable of finding their way back into the game and mainly resorted to hopeful long-range efforts, only troubling Courtois a couple of times despite having 23 shots.
Critics can certainly point the finger at Santos, a reactive coach who built his reputation in international football by helping Greece punch above their weight.
