| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 7. Cristiano Ronaldo (28’) | 23. Rafael van der Vaart (11’) |
| 7. Cristiano Ronaldo (74’) |
Ronaldo powers Portugal to quarters
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (on floor) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring his team's second goal
The Real Madrid star had prior to the game at the Metalist Stadium not scored, raising a lot of doubts of his big game acumen.
It was, however, been put to rest, but not after suffering an early scare from the Dutch.
The Netherlands with all the early possession made Portugal pay for their slack defending in the 11th minute.
Rafael Van Der Vaart collected the ball just on the edge of the penalty area and curled in a beauty to put the Oranje ahead.
It was his first start of the championship and boy how he proved to Bert Van Marwijk he was making a huge mistake by playing him from the bench in the first two games.
The goal rather than spurring the Dutch on, gave the Portuguese the needed impetus to go forward in search of the equalizer.
They created several chances in a space of five minutes but couldn’t convert with Cristiano Ronaldo and Helder Postiga the main culprits upfront.
Ronaldo, however, stepped up to the plate when needed in the 28th minute as he came across to collect a solid in pass from Joao Pereira to draw his side level.
It was his first goal of the championship for the Real Madrid star which came in very handy.
Portugal went on to boss the remainder of the half but fluffed several chances to get themselves ahead.
The Netherlands had their moments but since scoring, they really failed to work Patricio in the Portugal goal.
The second half started on a very slow note with both teams feeling their way through after the fifteen minute break.
But it was the Netherlands again with all the possession but were unable to carve out any decent goal scoring chances.
And just like the first half, Portugal took control of the game and made the Dutch pay dearly for their attractive but impotent play.
Again it was Cristiano Ronaldo, finishing off a sweeping move in the 74th minute which had Nani playing a vital role.
In the end, the ball was placed on a plate for the former Manchester United player who dummied and made no mistake in planting the ball firmly into the Dutch net.
The Portuguese went on to create several chances only for a combination of poor finishing and bad luck to let them down.
They, however, held on for a vital win which earned them qualification into the quarterfinals.
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