Portugal 2-1 Netherlands: Ronaldo steals the show as sorry Dutch slump out

A world class performance from Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo sent his country into the Euro 2012 quarter finals.

The result sent the Netherlands home without so much as a point to show for their efforts in Group B.

The Dutch required a two goal victory and hoped that Germany could defeat Denmark in the other match.

The mathematics became academic, however, as Portugal sealed the win they needed to progress.

Bert van Marwijk's team, with Rafael van der Vaart restored to the starting line-up, started strongly, with 18-year-old Jetro Willems pushing forward from left back.

On 11 minutes Netherlands had the breakthrough. A stunning left foot strike from captain van der Vaart beat Rui Patricio to put the Dutch in the lead.

The goal seemed to spur Portugal into action, with Helder Postiga handed a chance on 17 minutes that he spurned. Cristiano Ronaldo posted his intent with a well hit shot on 23 minutes which Maarten Stekelenburg clawed away.

Ronaldo would not be denied five minutes later. Joao Pereira threaded a pass through the Dutch defence to his captain who finished low past the Roma goalkeeper.

The Netherlands were stung by the goal and allowed a Ronaldo-inspired Portugal to take control. The Real Madrid maestro tormented Gregory van der Wiel at right back, fashioning himself and others numerous chances in the second half.

Postiga thought he had grabbed the second on the hour after being set up by Ronaldo, but was flagged offside.

There was no such problem for Ronaldo in the 75th minute and he darted inside and finished low to Stekelenburg's right hand side.

The skipper could have had his hat-trick in one of the best individual performances of the tournament, a low effort from 25 yards crashing back off the post in the last minute.

The final whistle blew on the game, and the Netherlands were sent home with zero points from their three games. Portugal go on to meet the Czech Republic in the quarter finals.

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