There have been some great games between the England and Portugal soccer teams. Their meetings are a fixture with some history, especially in more recent times as Portugal has qualified more often for the European Championship and World Cup. The rivalry’s history dates back to the mid-20th century.
One of England’s most notable victories came in the first friendly games between the two soccer teams. In 1947, they thrashed the Portugal soccer team 10-0. The two teams played more friendly matches against each other that ended largely in The Three Lions’ favor.
Not until 1961 did the two play their first competitive games. Both were included in the 1962 qualifying World Cup draw. The first game played in Portugal ended in a 1-1 draw. England got their first win 2-0 at Wembley and qualified for the World Cup.
Portugal had a much better team emerging in the 1966 World Cup, and had great players such as Euesibo. In 1966, the two teams played their first World Cup game against each other in the semi-finals. England’s Bobby Charlton scored two goals in this match. A goal from Portugal was not enough to prevent their progress into the World Cup final, in which The Three Lions lifted the Jules Rimet trophy.
After this World Cup, the only competitive games were in Euro qualifying during the ’70s. In both Euro 1976 qualifying games, both teams drew, and neither qualified.
The FIFA World Cup draw in 1986 saw both clubs in the same group. Portugal had their first victory in a competitive game. Despite a 1-0 defeat, The Three Lions still progressed from the group.
In more recent times, this rivalry has become a more regular fixture in the World Cup and European Championship. The beginning of the last decade saw them meet at Euro 2000. This exciting game saw England go 2-0 up, but Portugal came back from two goals down to win the game 3-2. The Three Lions went out in the first round.
The two clubs would meet again in Euro 2004. This was a great game, and England took the lead, with Portugal equalizing to take it into extra time. Portugal would go ahead in extra time, but their opponent would equalize to make it 2-2. A disallowed England goal ensured the game went to penalties. The penalty shoot-out went Portugal’s way, and they won it all.
Most recently, England and Portugal played in the 2006 World Cup. Both teams progressed to the quarter-finals and played against each other for a place in the semi-finals. There were no goals during the match, although Rooney got sent off. England played the remainder of the game with 10 men. The match went into extra time and penalties. Portugal won the shoot-out to make it to the semi-finals.
Portugal’s teams have had the better of recent games against the Three Lions. Four victories have come in the last four competitive games, while England has won only two competitive matches against Portugal. Portugal has the best record in this fixture for competitive matches. The overall England vs Portugal record, including friendlies, currently stands at 10 wins to five defeats in favor of the Three Lions.
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