2006 Portugal home – Simão Sabrosa #11 Small

Portugal’s 2006 World Cup Campaign – Simão Sabrosa’s Contribution

The Portugal national team had a memorable 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, finishing in 4th place, their best performance since 1966. Led by Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal had a strong squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Luís Figo, Deco, and Simão Sabrosa, blending experience with emerging talents. They showcased a solid defense and tactical discipline, advancing deep into the tournament.

🏆 2006 FIFA World Cup Performance

• Group Stage: Portugal topped Group D with three wins over Angola (1-0), Iran (2-0), and Mexico (2-1).
• Round of 16: A hard-fought 1-0 win against the Netherlands, in a game infamous for 16 yellow cards and 4 red cards (“The Battle of Nuremberg”).
• Quarterfinals: Portugal defeated England on penalties (0-0, 3-1 on penalties), with Simão converting a crucial spot-kick.
• Semifinals: Lost 1-0 to France, after a Zidane penalty.
• Third-Place Playoff: Portugal lost 3-1 to Germany, finishing 4th place.

⚽ Simão Sabrosa’s Role

Simão played as a versatile winger, providing pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. He was a key substitute and occasional starter, notably scoring in Portugal’s friendly matches leading up to the tournament. In the quarterfinal against England, he scored in the penalty shootout, helping Portugal advance to the semifinals.

🇵🇹 Portugal’s 2006 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

• Ricardo
• Quim
• Bruno Vale

Defenders

• Ricardo Carvalho
• Fernando Meira
• Nuno Valente
• Miguel
• Paulo Ferreira
• Marco Caneira
• Ricardo Costa

Midfielders

• Luís Figo (C)
• Deco
• Maniche
• Costinha
• Petit
• Simão Sabrosa
• Tiago
• Armando Sá
• Cristiano Ronaldo

Forwards

• Pauleta
• Hélder Postiga
• Nuno Gomes

Manager

• Luiz Felipe Scolari

🔶 Legacy of Portugal’s 2006 Campaign

Portugal’s 4th-place finish in 2006 was one of their best World Cup performances. Simão Sabrosa, along with Figo, Ronaldo, and Deco, played a key role in Portugal’s attacking setup. This tournament also marked the transition from Figo’s era to Ronaldo’s, as Portugal became a powerhouse in international football.