England and Portugal football rivalry
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England and Portugal have shared a rivalry since the 2006 FIFA World Cup, although it could be claimed that Euro 2004 was the first spark in what could become one of football's most fierce rivalries.
The tension arose from what appeared to be an unsporting act from Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo. According to English fans and media, Ronaldo interfered with the referee after England striker Wayne Rooney fell to the ground, and the Portuguese players claimed Rooney had stamped on the players genitals, which he did. The question was whether it was an accident or not. The English claimed that Ronaldo then got involved which led a firehearted Rooney into pushing him. The referee then dismissed Rooney. The referee later stated that he dismissed Rooney because he stepped on Ricardo Carvalho's genitals on purpose, which English media dispute, and not because of Ronaldo's supposed involvement. Ronaldo then later winked at the Portuguese bench. The two teams were fierce rivals at Germany 2006 with fierce tackles, and luckily no injuries. Portugal won the match 3-1 on penalties because of Ricardo saving English penalties.
