Portugal beat the Netherlands 2-1 to set up a quarter-final with the Czech Republic and condemn the Dutch to a first group-stage European Championship exit since 1980.
Needing to win by two clear goals to stand any hope of progressing, Holland took an early lead through Rafael van der Vaart but were undone by goals in each half from Cristiano Ronaldo.
From a Dutch perspective, the final score was rendered immaterial as Denmark's 2-1 loss to Germany in the other Group B match meant they would not have qualified for the last eight even in case of victory.
Portugal, for whom Ronaldo belatedly reproduced his club form at this tournament, will compete for a semi-final place against the Czechs on Thursday.
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) kicks the ball past Dutch defender Ron Vlaar during the Euro 2012 football championships match Portugal vs. Netherlands on June 17, 2012 at the Metalist stadium in Kharkiv. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE
