Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo parried three penalties to guide his side to a 3-1 victory in shootout on Saturday and secure a place in the World Cup semis after the game ended in a goalless draw. Ricardo blocked shots from Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher while Owen Hargreaves was the only England player to score. Simao Sabrosa, Helder Postiga and Cristiano Ronaldo found the net for Portugal. Hugo Viana and Petit couldn't score but their misses didn't stop Portugal from advancing. Portugal will play their first semi-finals clash in 40 years when they take on the winners from France and Brazil who play later on Saturday. England played almost one hour with ten players after Wayne Rooney received his marching orders in the 62nd minute. The Manchester United striker was shown a straight red card for a harsh challenge on Ricardo Carvalho. Both sides started on an equal note but Ronaldo, who shook-off a thigh injury, had the first chance in the 10th minute after he unleashed a low drive that England keeper Paul Robinson saved steadily.
Portugal players celebrate Tiago almost broke the deadlock three minutes later when he tried to poke home on the rebound after a defensive mix-up but his shot went just wide. Portugal looked in full charge as Ronaldo was fed by Luis Figo before cutting inside but slammed the ball over the cross bar. England restored a bit of their form after the break but their chances suffered a blow when skipper David Beckham was forced to leave the pitch with Aaron Lennon replacing him in the 52nd minute. Lennon made an instant impact after storming his way down the right and cutting inside but he lost the ball to Rooney who misdirected the ball. Rooney's frustration completed two minutes after the hour mark when he was dismissed for treading Ricardo Carvalho. Portugal benefited from the numerical advantage and dominated most of the possession against ten-man England who were forced to field Peter Crouch as a lone striker. In the 83rd minute, Lampard came close from opening the score line when he fired a 25-meter bullet that Ricardo parried into the path of Lennon but the Tottenham winger played a weak shot into the hands of the keeper. England and Portugal had chances to score in the extra time but they couldn't find the net as the game ended with the shootout drama.
