Outright Odds: 22/one
Group D Winners: 5/6
Following a disastrous 2002 Entire world Cup, wherein they finished bottom in their team pursuing defeats by both the United States and South Korea, Portugal will probably be seeking to last but not least Are living up to their possible on the Worldwide phase.
Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten of their team and concluded seven points obvious at the very best. Portugal meant business During this group, putting 11 earlier Luxembourg across two legs and hammering second-favourites Russia 7-one at your house.
The charismatic Luiz 해외스포츠중계 Felipe Scolari, or Big http://edition.cnn.com/search/?text=해외스포츠중계 Phil to his close friends, has created a brand new crew to replace the ageing or retired underachievers such as Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Other people Even though Luis Figo, now coming into veteran standing and away from retirement, might be present in Germany. Even with guiding Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 and emphatic Planet Cup qualification, the public are still not certain He's The person with the work.
The groups Main is predicated around 4 players 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 base for your attack-minded stars to play around.
Attacking gamers including Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco compliment the side beautifully and produce numerous possibilities for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. Germain hitman overtook Eusebios file of 41 Worldwide objectives with a powerful haul of 11 in qualifying, earning him the European zones top goalscorer.
Manchester United winger Ronaldo could illuminate the finals along with his skills and coveted step-overs. He weighed in with 7 qualifying goals from midfield, elevating his Fantasy Soccer stock considerably.
Portugal have every one of the makings of a Environment Cup profitable side: a sound defence, Remarkable high quality and goalscoring opportunity from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.
Their key downfall seems to be the goalkeeping posture. Sporting Lisbons Ricardo and Quim from Benfica are the two vying with the jersey although the supporters choice appears to be out-of-favour Vitor Baia. A veteran on the 2002 Entire world Cup aspect, 36-year-old Baia was omitted from Scolaris ultimate 23 from the Euro 2004 squad.
Advised Wager:
The underachieving squad in the previous have Virtually all been replaced by a brand-new crop of youthful expertise. Outdated stagers Luis Figo and Pauleta will try to look for a ultimate swansong, Along with the latter a sound Each individual-way bet for leading goalscorer standing.
Portugal to win Group D @ 5/6
E/W Pauleta as prime goalscorer @ 40/1