Team England’s Euro 2004 campaign came to an end in cruel but sadly all-too-familiar circumstances in Lisbon last night. A heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat against the hosts Portugal ensured that England exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage, just as they had done at the 2002 World Cup.

It had all begun so promisingly for Sven Goran Eriksson’s men. Michael Owen had reaffirmed his credentials when he seized onto a poor defensive header to score with a brilliant improvised flick beyond Ricardo in only the 3rd minute. From that great beginning, though, the team were never quite able to establish any period of sustained possession and were forced onto the back foot by their opponents. With less than half an hour played, the game changed decisively. England’s man of the tournament, Wayne Rooney, limped off with a serious foot injury and Portugal seized the initiative.

As in the opening match, England defended stoutly and looked set for a famous victory, only to have their opponents strike late in the game. First, a close-range header by the Spurs striker Postiga forced extra-time. Then, Rui Costa produced a thunderous drive to send the home support into ecstasy. Against the odds, an exhausted England struck back with Frank Lampard swivelling to smash home a 115th minute equaliser.

And so to the dreaded penalties. In the lottery of the shoot-out, England were once again unlucky. Ricardo, the Portuguese keeper had the final word, keeping out Vassell’s shot and then, taking the clinching penalty himself. After a titanic game, England were out 6-5 on spotkicks, and Lisbon 04 unhappily joins Italia 90, Euro 96 and France 98 in the list of English penalty defeats.