Portugal's Euro 2004 home jersey, made by Nike, is one of the most memorable jerseys of the Portuguese national team. This jersey is particularly significant because it was worn during a tournament hosted in Portugal, where the team reached the final. Here is a detailed description of the jersey and some anecdotes from that era:

Description of the Jersey:

• Main colour: Burgundy red, a colour that is synonymous with the Portuguese national team, representing the passion and energy of the nation.

• Design:

  • Collar: The jersey features a V-neck collar with gold trim. This gold detail adds a touch of sophistication and prestige, highlighting the importance of the event that Euro 2004 represented.
  • Sleeves: The sleeves are trimmed in dark green, a color that contrasts well with the burgundy red and is reminiscent of the colors of the Portuguese flag. The gold trim also continues around the sleeves, adding to the cohesion of the design.
  • Patterns: The jersey is relatively simple, with a clean and classic design. However, there is a tone-on-tone diamond pattern integrated into the fabric, adding texture and depth to the jersey without overloading it.

• Logos:

  • Club Logo: The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) crest is embroidered on the left chest. The logo is in colour, with the Portuguese cross in red and green, topped with the words "PORTUGAL" in gold, which stands out clearly against the burgundy red background.
  • Nike Logo: The Nike logo is located on the right chest, embroidered in gold to match the other details of the jersey. This gold color evokes Portugal's ambition to win the tournament.

• Technology :

  • The jersey uses Nike technologies of the time, with a lightweight and breathable fabric designed for player comfort. The cut was tight, reflecting trends of the early 2000s, and the fabric offered good moisture management.

Anecdotes:

1. Home Tournament:

   • Euro 2004 was held in Portugal, and so this jersey has a special meaning for the Portuguese. Expectations were high for the team, playing in front of their home crowd and with a golden generation of players, including Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and a young Cristiano Ronaldo.

2. Disappointing Finale:

   • Portugal had an impressive run to the final, but unfortunately lost to Greece in a historic match. The defeat came as a shock to the country, as Portugal were the big favourites to win the title.

3. Ronaldo's emergence:

   • This tournament is also known for marking the emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the international scene. Wearing this jersey, the young Ronaldo showed flashes of his immense talent, which would make him one of the greatest players in football history.

4. Classic Design:

   • The simple yet elegant design of the jersey was well received by supporters and remains an iconic design for Portugal fans. The combination of burgundy red, dark green and gold created a memorable aesthetic that still evokes strong memories for supporters.

5. Memory :

   • Despite the disappointment of the final, the shirt remains a symbol of pride for Portuguese fans, recalling a time when Portugal were on the verge of winning their first major title, which would eventually come at Euro 2016.

In short, the Portugal Euro 2004 home jersey is an iconic design that remains etched in the history of Portuguese football. With its distinctive colour combination and association with a landmark tournament, it remains a favourite among fans and collectors alike.