PORTUGAL's victory over England on Thursday could have been predicted, according to North-East academics.

By beating England on home territory two nights ago, Portugal illustrated a phenomenon that was scientifically proved by a team at Northumbria University two years ago.

The Newcastle researchers demonstrated that there was a real, measurable basis for home advantage in football.

By taking samples frm a North-East Unibond League side during a whole season, the research team were able to show that levels of the male hormone testosterone were consistently higher in players facing a home game.

Testosterone is associated with aggression, confidence and dominance.

Researchers found even higher testosterone levels in the bodies of players from a Premiership junior team when sample were taken before a home game against their North-East rivals.

The study suggested that humans, like animals, will fiercely defend home territory, probably a throwback to primitive man.

Dr Sandy Wolfson, a sports psychologist who carried out the research with biological psychologist Dr Nick Neave, said: "There is no doubt that there is a very strong advantage for the team playing at home. Even the very worst teams tend to do better on their own territory."

But it did not always result in a home victory, she said.

"If one team is much more highly skilled than another team, then that could overcome the home advantage," she added.

Dr Wolfson is continuing her research into testosterone levels in footballers but this year she has extended her studies into female players.

"We are doing some work with some of the top English lady footballers," she said.

She has also worked on research that shows the psychological benefits of being a football fan.

Fans often find it easier to relate to other people if they have the language of football in common.