Nuno Valente, the former Everton left-back, escaped punishment for a handball that led to England's penalty shootout defeat in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final. The incident occurred when Valente handled a David Beckham cross from close range in the match in Gelsenkirchen on July 1, 2006. Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo deemed it accidental, a decision that allowed Portugal to progress.
Match Details and Aftermath
The match ended goalless after extra time, with former Everton player Wayne Rooney sent off in the 62nd minute for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho. In the subsequent shootout, Portugal's Simao scored first. England's first penalty taker, Frank Lampard, saw his shot saved by Ricardo. Only Owen Hargreaves scored for England, while Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher also had their efforts saved. Helder Postiga and Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal, securing a 3-1 victory.
Valente started six of Portugal's seven tournament matches, including games against Angola, Iran, Netherlands, France, and Germany. He was absent only for the group stage win over Mexico after Portugal had already qualified.
Mourinho's Influence on Valente's Move to Everton
Valente began his career at Sporting CP in Lisbon but made his breakthrough under Jose Mourinho at Uniao de Leiria. When Mourinho moved to Porto in 2002, he brought Valente and striker Derlei with him. Under Mourinho, Valente won consecutive domestic titles in 2003 and 2004, as well as the UEFA Cup and Champions League, though he was sent off in the UEFA Cup final against Celtic.
Although Mourinho did not sign Valente for Chelsea, he recommended the left-back to Everton. Valente revealed: "Jose rang to say there was the possibility of me playing in England. He told me it was an exciting opportunity. I am very grateful. He made it clear that Everton are a good club and suitable for me."
Valente added: "Jose's input was very important and he spoke very highly of the way Everton play. He also told me David Moyes was a good coach. I am very excited to have the chance of playing in the Premier League. It is a dream for me."
Valente's Career and Legacy
Valente moved to Everton for £1.5 million at nearly 31 years old. He expressed anger at how Porto treated him, saying: "I am angry with the way Porto treated me (late long-serving president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa is understood to have handed him an 'ultimatum' over playing for his club or country after picking up an injury) but that's in the past. I am looking forward to helping Everton enjoy lots of success."
