Outright Odds: 22/one
Group D Winners: 5/six
After a disastrous 2002 Entire world Cup, during which they completed base in their group adhering to defeats by the two America and South http://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=해외스포츠중계 Korea, Portugal might be trying to finally Reside up for their probable to the Worldwide phase.
Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten inside their team and completed 7 details apparent at the top. Portugal meant business enterprise With this team, Placing eleven earlier Luxembourg across two legs and hammering 2nd-favourites Russia 7-1 in your more info house.
The charismatic Luiz Felipe Scolari, or Big Phil to his mates, has built a whole new staff to interchange the ageing or retired underachievers such as Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Other people Despite the fact that Luis Figo, now moving into veteran position and away from retirement, are going to be current in Germany. Irrespective of guiding Portugal to the ultimate of Euro 2004 and emphatic Planet Cup qualification, the general public remain not confident He's the man with the work.
The groups Main relies about four gamers who received the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004. Defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira and midfielder Maniche now all at Chelsea and Costinha, now at Dinamo Moscow give a sound foundation for your assault-minded stars to play around.
Attacking players for instance Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco compliment the side beautifully and generate quite a few probabilities for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. Germain hitman overtook Eusebios record of 41 Global goals with a formidable haul of 11 in qualifying, making him the ecu zones best goalscorer.
Manchester United winger Ronaldo could illuminate the finals along with his expertise and coveted action-overs. He weighed in with 7 qualifying ambitions from midfield, boosting his Fantasy Soccer stock substantially.
Portugal have many of the makings of a Environment Cup profitable side: a solid defence, exceptional high-quality and goalscoring possible from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.
Their principal downfall seems to get the goalkeeping situation. Sporting Lisbons Ricardo and Quim from Benfica are both of those vying for that jersey Even though the supporters option appears to be out-of-favour Vitor Baia. A veteran of the 2002 Globe Cup aspect, 36-year-outdated Baia was omitted from Scolaris last 23 inside the Euro 2004 squad.
Advisable Wager:
The underachieving squad with the earlier have Just about all been replaced by a brand new crop of youthful talent. Aged stagers Luis Figo and Pauleta will seek out a ultimate swansong, Using the latter a sound Every single-way guess for major goalscorer status.
Portugal to acquire Team D @ five/6
E/W Pauleta as best goalscorer @ forty/1