For a country that has long been hailed as the ‘European Brazil’, Portugal’s record is far less impressive than that of the “Canarinha”. The nation’s last satisfying tournament was six years ago, when they hosted Euro 2004. At that time, today’s leading figure Cristiano Ronaldo was just 19, and Portugal was still under the influence of Luis Figo and co.

2010 will mark Portugal’s fifth ever World Cup participation. However, Carlos Queiroz’s team will be confident of having a good tournament after reaching the semi-finals of the last edition, albeit under previous manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. The road to World Cup glory certainly won’t be a walk in the park for the Portuguese: Having qualified for the tournament on the last matchday, they have been drawn in a real group of death alongside Brazil, North Korea, and the Ivory Coast.

The Coach

Carlos Queiroz (POR)
57 years old

Despite managing a number of clubs and countries thus far, Carlos Queiroz is most remembered as being the assistant coach of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. His most notable season as club manager was in 2003/04, back when he was at the helm of Real Madrid for an entire season. He may not be the people’s choice for national team coach – that is Jose Mourinho – but he definitely has the backing of the Portuguese FA, and is expected to fulfill his contract up until Euro 2012, at least.


Players to watch

Bruno Alves
28 years old
Defender
Porto (POR)

It is likely that Bruno Alves will be given the nod ahead of Pepe to star in central defence, due to the latter’s season-ending knee ligament tear. A regular under coach Carlos Queiroz, Bruno Alves’ partnership with Ricardo Carvalho remains a mouth-savouring one. The Porto captain could potentially have a cohort of post-World Cup suitors should he produce some world class displays.

 

 

Simao Sabrosa
30 years old
Forward
Atletico Madrid (SPA)

After a season that has seen him guide club side Atletico Madrid to Europa League success – the team’s first piece of continental silverware in 36 years – Simao Sabrosa is expected to be one of Portugal’s pillars this summer. His international experience is of real value to the Seleccao, making him a key player in the Portuguese squad, let alone the starting eleven.


Cristiano Ronaldo
25 years old
Forward
Real Madrid (SPA)

The world of football curiously glazed as Cristiano Ronaldo opened another chapter of his professional career last summer, transferring from Manchester United to Real Madrid for a world record fee of €94M. Reinvented as a pure striker under Blancos coach Manuel Pellegrini, the Portuguese racked up 26 league goals in 28 matches, hardly a bad record for someone that was on the sidelines for two months. If there’s anybody that can make it happen for Portugal, it’s him.


Pepe
27 years old
Defender
Real Madrid (SPA)

Pepe saw his season cut short back in December through injury, but after enduring six months in the treatment room, managed to make Portugal’s final 23. While he may not be expected to start, being able to call upon the Real Madrid star is any coach’s dream come true.


The view from Portugal

Portugal are expected to make some sort of impact during this summer’s World Cup. In a way, they can be compared to 2006’s Italy, who were all but written-off before they wrapped-up the title. Winning the trophy itself will be hard for them, especially with the presence of more able squads such as Brazil, Spain and England.


Prediction

Portugal are likely to finish their group as runners-up to Brazil, which will match them with the winners of Group H, likely to be Spain. The Spaniards will be a tough nut to crack for Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the lads, and will likely end their neighbours’ World Cup aspirations.


Did you know?

Portugal’s biggest defeat ironically took place on home soil. On 25th May, 1947, they were hammered by the English, who managed to get past the opposition keeper ten times. The match itself ended 10-0 for England.

Group games

15/06/10: Portugal  0 – 0  Ivory Coast    –   Nelson Mandela Bay
21/06/10: Portugal  7 – 0  North Korea     –   Cape Town
25/06/10: Portugal  0 – 0  Brazil     –   Durban