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The Portuguese are, without doubt, a team in form. Their recent results in qualifying were as impressive as any nation and they just missed out on being European Champions on home soil, in 2004. Such results demand that they be considered a serious contender for World Cup glory in 2006.

We have been here before, however.

There is a sense, that against the top sides, Portugal are lacking something. Expectations were raised back in 1991, when the Golden Generation of Figo and Rui Costa were crowned World Youth Champions. Whilst that was no guarantee of success at senior level, the sheer talent of that side was considered a shoe-in for greatness. Never happened. There were highlights; a thrilling run to the semifinals of Euro 2000 (where they were unlucky to lose to a very strong French team) and almost going all the way four years later. They were, at times, absolutely thrilling to watch, the game that stands out for me was their Euro 2000 group match against England. They were two down after twenty minutes but didn't panic. Figo then watched the opposition part like the Red Sea and rifled in a thirty yard shot to the top corner that, but for the net, would still be rising now. Even though they were still leading, the English heads went down. Portugal passed them off the park, winning 3-2. It was almost as if they knew three would be enough, completely breathtaking. That was probably that side's best chance of a title but they totally lost their cool against the French, which only added to the feeling that they were entertaining, but lacked the fight that all champions had to have.

Their best World Cup so far was their first. Led by the fabulous Eusebio, they finished third in 1966, losing to their fortunate hosts (and eventual winners) England in the semifinals. They were involved in the match of the tournament though; trailing 3-0 to North Korea (who had shocked Italy in the first round), they won 5-3, thanks to four from Eusebio. The legend's nine goals that year made him the tournament's top scorer. Twenty years passed before they returned to the Finals, led by predatory striker Fernando Gomes, but they disappointed, going out in the first round, though they did manage to beat England. The 2002 tournament was even worse; they came out of the blocks slowly, gifting the USA a comfortable victory. A loss to South Korea confirmed another early exit, made all the more galling by their victors' runs to the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively. Until the Selecao can do the business, their critics will have the ammo they need to put them down.

Fans of Portugal will point to their impressive run in qualifying and their high FIFA ranking (10th). They absolutely wasted a section filled with tough sides. Both Russia (ranked 34th) and Latvia (66th) had qualified for the 2004 Euro tournament and could be considered established opponents. Slovakia (44th), Estonia (76th) and Liechtenstein (126th) are all emerging powers and intimidating venues (particularly in winter) for the Portuguese. In fact, it was the unfancied Liechtenstein who caused the Selecao most problems; holding them to a draw in Vaduz and nearly repeating the feat in Aveiro. Luxembourg (151st) are, well the less said the better. Overall, the qualifying groups in Europe are getting harder all the time, making the manner of Portugal's stroll to the Finals all the more impressive. Here's the group table.

Team Played Won Drawn Lost Goal Diff Points
Portugal 12 9 3 0 30 30
Slovakia 12 6 5 1 16 23
Russia 12 5 5 1 11 23
Estonia 12 5 2 5 -1 17
Latvia 12 4 3 5 -3 15
Liechtenstein 12 2 2 8 -10 8
Luxembourg 12 0 0 12 -43 0

The credit for coming through this transitional period successfully (and nearly winning Euro 2004) goes to the coach LUIZ FILIPE SCHOLARI. Yes! It's Big Phil again! The man who led Brazil to the title four years ago has instilled a winning mentality and tactical awareness into a team that has always had talent. His ego is backed up sufficiently by ability, so no job is too much pressure for him. In the Euro 2004 Final Greece's wily German coach Otto Rehhagel won out in the end but, to be honest, that match was more about the players freezing, rather than any managerial ineptitude. Big Phil has bitch-slapped just about every major nation in his time with the Brazilian and Portuguese Selecaos.

In goal, the first choice will probably be Sporting Lisbon's RICARDO PEREIRA. Ricardo is probably most famous for his penalty shoot-out heroics in 2004, where he saved an England penalty before scoring the winner himself. He's capable, athletic and (as you'd expect for a penalty taker) good with the ball at his feet, though not as good as he thinks he is. There's always a chance of a Fabian Barthez-type howler when he ventures out of his area. Ricardo's deputy is JOAQUIM "QUIM" SILVA (Benfica), another able shot-stopper and is better coming off his line than Ricardo. What counts against Quim is that he seems to lose bad goals, ala England's David James. The third choice is where things get a bit complicated. The man for the future is Benfica's JOSE MORIERA, the Olympic Games keeper. He may miss out though, as young FC Porto goalie PAULO RIBEIRO is a candidate. The concern in Portugal is that, should Moriera and Ribeiro falter, the future isn't too bright. Long term injury absentee VITOR BIA (FC Porto) is still a hero in his homeland, could he be an outside bet to return?

Conceding only five goals in twelve qualifying matches is proof that the defence is as strong as it has ever been. The centre back partnership is skilled and strong. RICARDO CARVALHO (Chelsea, England) has been almost ever present for club and country for the last couple of years, he reads the game exceptionally well. Alongside him is one of my personal favourites, JORGE ANDRADE (Deportivo la Coruna, Spain), he's the quiet assassin and not much gets past him. Maybe the odd broken limb, but not much else. Both former Porto players, they've been at the very top of the European club game for years. The right side of defence is probably the most keenly contested position in the team, with three top-class candidates. RENATO PAULO FERREIRA (Chelsea) will probably just hang on to his place, ahead of NUNO FRECHAUT (Dynamo Moscow, Russia). Both are excellent specialist fullbacks. MARCO CANEIRA (Valencia, Spain) can also play on the right and has plenty of experience from his time with both Lisbon clubs and Italy's Internazionale. The left flank will most likely be manned by RUI JORGE (Sporting Lisbon), another excellent athlete.

In reserve, the physical FERNANDO MEIRA (Stuttgart, Germany) will provide beef when necessary, a former midfield player, his versatility assures him of his place. Young JORGE RIBEIRO (Dynamo Moscow) may not be as well known as older brother Maniche, but he stands a great chance of being selected. JORGE PEREIRA SILVA NUNO VALENTE (thankfully, known as just Nuno Valente) hasn't had the greatest of starts in England with Everton, but is able to play across the back line. The other two defenders likely to contest spots are Porto's RICARDO COSTA and Valencia's signing from Benfica; LUIS MIGUEL MONTEIRO.

Portugal usually play five across the middle, with a deep holding player and an attacker behind the lone striker. They also get quality deliveries from the wide men, thanks to the freedom they're granted by the fullbacks behind them. The deep player is FRANCISCO COSTA COSTINHA (Dynamo Moscow), a former European champion with Porto, he's the pulse that keeps the team going. Rumours abound of him returning to his homeland (with Benfica), but I'd be surprised if they were his only suitors. Another Porto player snapped up by Dynamo is star midfielder NUNO RIBEIRO MANICHE, he's also failed to settle there and is currently on loan to Chelsea, playing for his mentor Jose Mourinho.

Wide right is CRISTIANO RONALDO (Manchester United, England), rated amongst the best young players in the world. I personally think he plays better for his country than his club, as he seems more direct. In the Premiership, he tries too many tricks and step-overs and his crossing is often woeful. He was brilliant at Euro 2004 though and he continued to lay on and score goals through the World Cup qualifiers. Wide left is returning legend LUIS FIGO (Internazionale), who has come out of retirement. The players best years, like his time in Spain at Real Madrid and Barcelona, are behind him but he can still turn it on. The pressure's off the 2000 Euro and 2001 World MVP, what with the emergence of young talent all around him. Often, he will swap flanks with Ronaldo, which seems to give opposing defenders fits. The man behind the striker is Brazil-born DECO (Barcelona), he's one of the most cunning players in the game and can conjure goals (and dodgily won fouls) out of nothing. Scholari was very keen to get him into the squad when he became coach and Deco has repaid him by adding the cutting edge that was missing before in the team.

That's as good a midfield as there is in world soccer, but Portugal have much in reserve. Should Costinha run into injury or discipline problems, the donkey work can be carried out by TIAGO MENDES (Lyon, France), the former Chelsea and Benfica man is tireless and can consider himself unlucky to only be a reserve. French born ARMANDO "PETIT" TEIXEIRA (Benfica) is also adept at the role and was impressive during qualifying. Another central midfielder drawing rave reviews is youngster MANUEL FERNANDES (Benfica). The Portuguese champions have finally broken Porto's stranglehold domestically by bringing through one hot prospect after another. Fernandes has drawn comparisons with French star Patrick Viera. Other young prospects include Chelsea's MIGUEL BARBOSA NUNO MORAIS and Sporting Lisbon's JOAO MOUTINHO. A prodigy that has lost his way somewhat is HUGO VIANA (Newcastle United, England). The winger has failed to live up to his high transfer tag but could still go to the Finals. Valencia remain interested in signing him. LUIS BOA MORTE (Fulham, England) is a quick and direct player on the left who will go as Figo's deputy. Portugal, it must be said, have serious depth in midfield.

There's no doubt who the first choice striker will be. PEDRO PAULETA (Paris Saint Germain, France) scored eleven goals in qualifying. Not only did that make him the top European goalscorer, it also broke the Eusebio's long standing record of forty one international goals. Is he better than the great man? Absolutely not, but he runs all day and is a constant threat to the opposition. If Pauleta is unavailable, veteran NUNO GOMES (Benfica) can play that role and run himself into the ground. His goalscoring record, by comparison, is poor but he's got a huge heart. A more intriguing option is his clubmate SIMAO SABROSA, an attacker who can play both flanks as well as up front. The Benfica captain has a thunderbolt shot and has been the target of transfer speculation around Europe, most notably from European champions Liverpool. Two Porto strikers also have a chance. Scholari recently called up Under-21 marksman RICARDO QUARESMA and could take his young colleague HUGO ALMEIDA as well. He has Champions league experience, despite not being a regular and going out on loan to Boavista. Two-time Porto player HELDER POSTIGA (Saint Etienne, France) also has a chance, he scored a vital goal against England at Euro 2004, sweet revenge for a player who failed in the Premiership at Tottenham Hotspur.

That's a great team on paper, with squad depth at every position. That, combined with the experience many of the side had as the all conquering Porto team that won the UEFA Cup and Champions League in successive seasons, makes them a team to be feared. They, along with Mexico, should comfortably negotiate Group D ahead of Angola and Iran. It gets complicated then, with a match against one of the qualifiers from Group C (Argentina, Holland, Serbia and Montenegro or Ghana). They need to pull off a huge performance to make the quarterfinals. If they can win that match, nobody will want to play them. Portugal have a solid defence, creativity in the middle and on the flanks and a deadly finisher up front. I don't think they can win the World Cup though. An injury to Pauleta leaves them weakened and he'll be up against tighter defences anyway, similar to the situation Mexico's Borgetti will be in. The goalkeepers are vulnerable as well. That said, if they can get themselves into the last eight (and avoid the slow start that killed them four years ago), Portugal will be yet another dark horse in what's shaping up to be the most open World Cup field in decades.

Next week, I'll be looking at another team that has come through a transitional period almost immediately with another strong squad. They've only been on the international scene a short while, but have a third place finish to their name already.

NEXT WEEK - CROATIA

Steve Beagrie is the resident Football (that's soccer for the yanks) expert here at SFM. Check out his website at SteveBeagrie.com.


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