Ivanović caps Portugal misery

Serbia and Montenegro kept their hopes of a semi-final place alive and left Portugal staring at elimination after a comfortable 2-0 Group A victory in Barcelos.

Semedo off
For the second time in as many matches Portugal fell behind to an own goal, Zé Castro this time the culprit. Branislav Ivanović then made sure of the points with a header midway through the second half, moments after Bruno Vale had saved Nenad Milijaš's penalty. Portugal had by then been reduced to ten men, Semedo sent off for the foul on Milos Krašic that led to the spot-kick. To progress Portugal must now beat Germany on Sunday, when Serbia and Montenegro face France.

Vučinić injured
Both coaches had made changes, partially to ease the strain of playing three games in six days, but also to freshen their sides after disappointing opening defeats. The only enforced switch from the Serbia and Montenegro team that lost to Germany saw injured striker Mirko Vučinić drop out, giving Milan Purović a chance.

Nani chance
The home support had put Tuesday's loss to France behind them and made their presence felt early on, and their team should have given them more reason to cheer when Ricardo Quaresema sent Nani clear on eleven minutes. Nani darted to the edge of the area and had time to pick his spot only to shoot weakly at Vladimir Stojković. Portugal were playing with three up front which left them vulnerable on the counter and on 17 minutes Serbia and Montenegro took full advantage. Ivanović crossed low and under pressure from Purović, Zé Castro turned the ball into his own net.

Portugal subdued
Manuel Fernandes tried to lead the recovery, crashing a dipping effort at goal that Stojković palmed clear. Quaresma showed more of his range of skills soon after the restart when he crossed with the outside of his right foot to Hugo Almeida who headed wide at the near post. Portugal were camped in the Serbia and Montenegro half but again they were almost punished on the break. This time Krašic surged forward and shot low on goal, the outstretched leg of keeper Bruno Vale keeping Portugal in contention.

Penalty save
The goalkeeper was the hero again on 63 minutes. Again Krašic surged into the area only this time he was brought down by Semedo. The Portugal defender was sent off and Serbia and Montenegro were awarded a penalty. Milijaš shot low to Bruno Vale's left but the keeper got down well to save. Portuguese celebrations were short-lived as from the resulting corner the 2004 runners-up scored. Dušan Basta crossed into the box where Ivanović rose and headed in. Down to ten men there was no way back for the hosts.

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