=== 16 players carded in Portugal shorthanded 1-0 win ===

Nuremberg, Germany (My Sportsbook) - A first half goal was all that was needed for Portugal to seal a spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over the Netherlands, but the goal was overshadowed by the numerous cards issued in the rough match.

Referee Valentin Ivanov issued four red cards for a total of 16 cards to both teams in a match that at times almost brought players from both teams to near blows. The 16 bookings matches a World Cup record, with the four red cards setting a new record.

But regardless of the fouls, Portugal managed to hold onto the one goal lead shorthanded to secure a spot in the quarterfinals against England on Saturday in Hamburg.

For the Netherlands, the rough and physical loss puts an end to the team's 2006 campaign.

The Netherlands got off to an early start on offense, when Mark Van Bommel drilled a shot from outside of the box that flew just wide of the far post in the first minute.

With both teams playing a fairly even match, Portugal was the first to strike, with a goal from Maniche in the 23rd minute.

On the attack, Portugal's Deco sent a cross from the right side of the box. Pauleta was on the receiving end, and flipped the pass to Maniche, who turned past a defender, and drilled the shot into the top right corner of the net to take the 1-0 lead.

In the 44th minute, goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar made a great save to keep the deficit to one headed into the half. The goalkeeper just got his hands on a knock from Pauleta from close range.

A minute later, Portugal was reduced to 10 players, when Costinha was issued his second yellow card, leading to the red card.

To open the second half, Portugal altered its lineup due to the red card, and took out Pauleta and replaced him with Petit.

The match took a nasty turn in the 63rd, when Khalid Boulahrouz received his second yellow card for a foul on Luis Figo right in front of the Portugal bench. The card appeared to anger the Portugal bench, with some of the players briefly stepping onto the field.

In the 72nd minute, tempers continued to flair, as Deco was issued a caution, and then a fight nearly broke out between Portugal and the Netherlands' players, resulting in two more cautions.

Portugal was hit with another red card, when Deco was sent off in the 78th minute, leaving the team to nine players.

In extra time, the fourth red card was issued, this time to the Netherlands' lineup, as Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was sent off.