By Phil McNulty and Paul Fletcher Our men in Portugal

Some hard-working journalists at the Estadio do Dragao

A lot of the media out here are starting to feel the pace after several weeks of non-stop work.

Many were gathered at Estadio do Dragao in Porto on Saturday to cover the news conferences before Denmark's game with the Czech Republic.

But it has all proved too much for one particular journalist.

He spent the entire afternoon slumped over his computer, snoring loudly.

If the Czech Republic were feeling nervous ahead of their quarter-final with Denmark, they certainly were not showing it.

As they trained on the pitch at Estadio do Dragao they exchanged jokes and seemed extremely relaxed.

Several engaged in a game of paper, scissors, stone.

Just for the record, Liverpool's Milan Baros seemed to lose every time.

Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo is planning a special pilgrimage if his country goes on to Euro 2004 glory.

Ricardo has already assumed legendary status in Portugal for waving away his colleagues - relieved colleagues, it should be said - and demanding to take the final penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out with England.

Ricardo faces a long walk if Portugal win Euro 2004

He is a penalty taker for his club Sporting Lisbon, and the power with which he dispatched the crucial kick demonstrated his expertise.

But, as a gesture of thanks, he has revealed he will embark on a 120-kilometre walk from Lisbon to Fatima if Portugal win Euro 2004.

Fatima is the town where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children on 13 October 1917, and is a shrine for thousands of visitors every year.

Now Ricardo will walk from Lisbon to Fatima if Portugal negotiate their final two games of the tournament successfully.

England may have gone home - but their fans remain in Lisbon in numbers and continue to enhance a reputation that grew during the tournament.

A stroll around the centre of Lisbon on Saturday revealed many still mixing happily with the locals, and in good spirits despite England's devastating exit against the hosts.

And when France went out against Greece on Friday in Lisbon's Alvalade Stadium, the familiar England banners were dotted around the stadium as the holders went out.