Portugal v England

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Next Saturday, Portugal will play without Deco and Costinha while England has Wayne Rooney looking 100% fit and it seems Gary Neville will be back. Although this can suggest England has better chances to win, I would not take it as granted. Psychological aspects may make the difference as this article points out and they can be fuelled by this type of journalism, also.

England and Portugal have met 21 times. Overall, England have an overwhelming edge, having won nine and drawn nine, whilst losing only three times. In competitive matches, the sides are evenly matched at two victories apiece, whilst recording four stalemates.
These nations have each recorded a victory over the other at the World Cup. In 1966, hosts England defeated Portugal 2-1 in the semi-finals. Twenty years later, the Iberians avenged the defeat by beating England 1-0 in the group phase. Their last meeting came in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004. Portugal triumphed after a tense penalty shoot-out that saw Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo slot home the winning spot kick. See here.