The Portuguese media have been left to reflect on what might have been following the end of Portugal's World Cup campaign.
However, they are united in their verdict that Portugal deserved little from their woeful form, particularly in the defeat against South Korea that sealed their fate.
The sense of loss is heightened by the fact that this was the last chance for the "golden generation" of Luis Figo and Rui Costa to fulfil their promise on the world's greatest stage.
"Portugal says farewell to Korea with no glory," Sports daily A Bola reflected.
Portugal's disciplinary problems, that saw Joao Pinto and Beto sent offer, only added to the gloom.
"It was a game that won't be missed," the newspaper added.
O Publico stated that Portugal could only blame themselves for their underperformance in South Korea.
"The team may complain from the adversities and bad luck, but they must reckon that in the Far East they didn't show the qualities that had made them candidates to the title," O Publico wrote.
"The dream of the "golden generation" ends in a game where Portugal once more rejected its own romantic style.
"They were concerned only about defending themselves, just like Italy."
The tone, in the best "fado" style, is even more sombre in sports daily O Jogo.
"The greatest nightmare of all has become painfully real," the newspaper said.
"But Portugal has fought. They fought up to the end of their forces, with a stoic will to escape from a fate that insists on being unmerciful with us."