Portugal 2 Turkey 0
Portugal booked their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2000 with a goal in each half from Nuno Gomes against 10-man Turkey. Humberto Coelho's team were fancied to go all the way after storming into the last eight with a 100 per cent record from England's group. And the Turks could not stop the bandwagon gathering pace, especially after the sending-off of defender Alpay Ozalan, and the stylish Portuguese head for Brussels and a semi-final against France or Spain on Wednesday.
Luis Figo revelled in the extra space created by Alpay's dismissal, tormenting Turkey down either flank, and it was Barcelona's dazzling wing-man who teed-up both goals for Nuno Gomes. The first was a flying header by the Benfica striker in the 44th minute. The second was a simple tap-in at the back-post after Figo had raced down the right. The tie exploded into life in the 29th minute when Alpay lost his head in a tangle with opposing central defender Couto. Alpay had gone forward for a set-piece and challenged with Couto in the air. The pair landed in a heap and the Turk appeared to lash out Couto as he got to his feet. Dutch ref Dick Jol spotted the incident and flashed his red card. If the red card was a blow to Turkey in their first European Championships quarter-final, then Nuno Gomes' goal in the 44th minute was shattering. Figo whipped a right-wing cross into the danger zone where Nuno Gomes nipped ahead of Fatih Akyel, moved into the centre from full-back in Alpay's absence, to head home his second goal of Euro 2000.
But it was Turkey who returned to the dressing room cursing a golden chance which slipped through their grasp. Couto felled Arif as he darted into the penalty area, with the clock ticking into the 51st minute of the first half, and Dutch referee Dick Jol pointed to the spot. Arif took the kick himself, driving it hard and low but the Portugal captain was down in a flash to beat the ball away.
The game was over when, 11 minutes into the second half, Figo carved out a second goal. He skipped down the right, leaving Hakan Unsal for dead, looked up and rolled a pass along the six-yard box for Nuno Gomes to tap in his second. Figo, Rui Costa and Joao Pinto drove wide as the search for a third goal started. Nuno Gomes was denied by Rustu and Jorge Costa somehow failed to score his first goal for his country when he missed an open net. Turkey threatened to be over-run but managed to steady themselves and managed a brief rally before the final whistle signalled their exit from the competition.
(PA Sports)
