Portugal win cardfest as ref steals the show

[Deathclaw]

Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals where they will meet England, but the match will not feature Deco or Costinha, as both players recieved red cards. Two Dutch players recieved sending offs as well, setting the World Cup record for red cards. The match also involved 16 yellow cards, tying the record set in 2002 by Germany and Cameroon. Maniche scored the game winner in the first half, and Cristiano Ronaldo picked up a first half injury, with Portugal praying he will be fit for the England match. Marco van Basten decided to relegate prolific Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to the bench, with Dirk Kuyt taking his spot, later to be replaced by Jan Vennegoor of Hessilink, which will leave van Basten to face the critics because of his interesting choice. The match was overshadowed by the referee and his willingness to produce yellow and red cards. Two other World Cup matches this tournament have had 3 red cards in them (USA-Italy and Australia-Croatia).

Tomorrow's matches: Italy - Australia. De Rossi is suspended for the Azzuri and Emerton is suspended for the Australians, who dropped back up keeper Zalac. Kewell is in a fitness race for tomorrow's encounter.
Switzerland will meet Ukraine, with Swiss star Phillipe Senderos injured and out for the remainder of the tournament.