2) They did not win more than one game in 90 mins
Okay, they did not use any illicit means to win any of their matches. They won them all fair and square. However, the way Portugal won the games ensured that they faced a lot of heat. Their tactics and the constant 1-0 scoreline for most of their games makes them deserving of the title that has been given to them, “the worst champions in history”.
During their seven games, they managed to win just one in the stipulated time of 90 minutes and survived the rest mostly on penalties or late extra time shots which took advantage of the opposition's momentary weaknesses.
Firstly, they reached the knockout rounds without winning a single game. Then, in the round-of-16 clash against Croatia, a 117th-minute goal by Ricardo Quaresma was the saving grace for them in the tournament. While the oppositions were equally at fault for faltering during the long games and Portugal deserve due credit for not giving up for 120 minutes, this is just wrong on so many levels.
They have been compared to the way Greece became champions in 2004, a claim that Nani has vehemently spoken out against.
