Portugal suffer humiliating exit

Portugal were bundled out of the men's soccer tournament at the Athens Olympics on Wednesday after a humiliating 4-2 defeat by Costa Rica. Morocco's 2-1 victory over Iraq in the other Group D match ensured co-favourites Portugal became the biggest...

Portugal were bundled out of the men's soccer tournament at the Athens Olympics on Wednesday after a humiliating 4-2 defeat by Costa Rica.

Morocco's 2-1 victory over Iraq in the other Group D match ensured co-favourites Portugal became the biggest casualty of the first round in Athens.

Portugal, who were without suspended Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo and Fulham's Luis Boa Morte, twice squandered a one-goal lead in a sloppy performance that left them bottom of the group.

An own goal from Stuttgart defender Fernando Meira in the 68th minute brought Costa Rica back on level terms for a second time and substitute Saborio Alvaro struck again moments later.

Pablo Brenes added a fourth in injury time to send Costa Rica through and complete Portugal's misery in Heraklio, Crete.

Results: Group B - Paraguay vs Italy 1-0; Japan vs Ghana 1-0 (Italy, Paraguay through). Group D - Costa Rica vs Portugal 4-2; Morocco vs Iraq 2-1 (Iraq, Costa Rica through). Quarter-final line-up: Saturday - Mali vs Italy; Iraq vs Australia; Argentina vs Costa Rica; Paraguay vs South Korea.

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