Portuguese media hail record breaker Ricardo

LISBON, July 2 (Reuters) Portuguese media celebrated the country's World Cup victory over England today, highlighting the performance of goalkeeper Ricardo in saving three penalties in yesterday's shootout in Gelsenkirchen.

''Ricardo sets record and puts Portugal in party mood,'' said said daily Diario de Noticias in its front page headline.

Portugal beat England after Ricardo became the first keeper to save three penalties in a World Cup shootout.

''Ricardo was heroic once again, entering the history books as the first to save three penalties in a World Cup,'' said Correio de Manha.

In beating England, Portugal reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 40 years. The only previous time Portugal had reached the World Cup last four was in 1966 when they lost 2-1 to England. The sole Portugal goal came from the penalty spot.

Some papers pointed out that it was sweet to mark the strongest performance since then by beating England. But Eusebio -- considered Portugal's greatest ever player who spearheaded the side in 1966 -- said it was not about revenge.

''This is not revenge,'' Eusebio told SIC television. ''In football that word does not exist.'' Sports daily A Bola said that as Portugal face France in the semi-finals, Brazilian-born coach Luiz Felipe Scolari would have his chance of getting back at the French for knocking Brazil out of the World Cup yesterday.

Scolari won the last World Cup with Brazil in 2002, beating Germany 2-0.

REUTERS DH RK1738