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Portugal Still Alive, Russia Out Euro 2004 Portugal resurrected their Euro 2004 hopes and ended those of 10-man Russia with a 2-0 victory last night but will still need to beat neighbours Spain in their final group game to advance to the quarter-finals. Portugal, playing with the fizz and freedom that was so markedly absent from their nervy opening defeat by Greece, won courtesy of a goal from midfielder Maniche after seven minutes and a late effort by substitute Rui Costa. A poor Russian team had their goalkeeper sent off for the second successive match, though the red card for Sergei Ovchinnikov at the end of the first half for handball just outside the penalty area seemed harsh. Russia's qualification hopes disappeared on the back of their ninth successive winless European Championship game -- an unwelcome tournament record reaching back to the 1988 final. But while the Portugal fans went off into the Lisbon night full of cheer, the head-to-head qualification system means they will have to beat Spain in their final game in the same city on June 20 to reach the last eight. After Greece came back to draw 1-1 with Spain earlier on Wednesday both those teams have four points. Portugal have three and if they draw with Spain, Greece will go through thanks to their opening day 2-1 win -- even if they lose their last game against Russia. Wednesday's early result meant that effectively Portugal were playing knockout football from the kickoff against Russia. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had reacted to their poor display against Greece by bringing in three new faces and one of them, Brazilian-born Deco, had an immediate impact. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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