Saying goodbye to soon?

More than just that?

Portugal lost 2 - 0 to Switzerland in a game that did not have much importance for them. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had the luxury of resting big players since his team had already qualified for the quaterfinals. Ronaldo’s exclusion from the entire squad as well as the inclusion of Nani, Quaresma and H. Postigha as starters were part of the 8 changes he made to the squad. The weaken Portuguese team were unable to find the net in the whole of the game and could not keep a clean sheet either. Their defeat came twenty minutes from time when Swiss striker Yakin scored twice to give his side their first and only win of the tournament. Well done for the co-host who at least won their game of pride, but for Portugal doesn’t their defeat mean more than just that?

Portugal’s 2 - 0 loss could find its explanation through the fact that the coach played a weaken side but one might also think that Scolari’s appointment as Chelsea’s new manager has something to do with that.

So then, if this thought were to be true, is Luis Felipe saying goodbye too soon to Portugal in terms of commitment and devotion?

And perhaps, Portugal’s defeat on Sunday could be the sign that their good start is already coming to an end.

Well, maybe was it just a simple defeat of no importance. But in a sense, it is an alert that Portugal could suffer some shocks which might see them out of the Euro 2008 Championship. However, the good news is that the best players will all be fresh for the quaterfinal on Thursday.

Whatever it is, Portuguese fans will just hope that the momentum is not gone.

Angela Asante
Euro2008TV Writer

Tags: euro 2008, Portugal, Switzerland