Euro 2008 Team Preview: Portugal
FOOTBALL – Euro 2008 Team Preview – PORTUGAL
15/2 with Stan James to win Euro 2008.
11/8 with Paddy Power to win Qualifying Group A (includes Czech Republic, Switzerland and Turkey).
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Qualification
Following their exploits in Germany at the 2006 World Cup, where Portugal only succumbed in a narrow semi-final defeat against France, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team had a tougher than expected fight to qualify for Euro 2008. A draw and a defeat in two of their first three matches away at Finland and Poland set the tone for a stuttering campaign that came to a satisfactory, albeit unspectacular, conclusion when qualification was sealed in a nervy 0-0 draw at home to Finland in the final match.
Coach
As is so often the case, a far from brilliant playing career proved the perfect grounding for a gifted and inspirational coach. After achieving success in club management, Scolari lifted the ultimate prize when he guided Brazil to their fifth World Cup triumph in 2002. In contracting Luiz Filipe Scolari, the Portuguese Football Federation could not have chosen a coach with better credentials, although as Portugal’s first foreign manager the choice was not met with universal acclaim. However, results proved that Scolari was the right man to coax the best out of perennially underperforming side. After falling at the final hurdle as hosts of the 2004 European Championships, Portugal followed up that achievement by reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup in Germany, to prove it is well and truly among the world’s elite footballing nations.
Key Players
Arguably the world’s greatest player at the present time, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to improve to such a level that it’s hard to believe he was once dubbed a one trick pony. Scoring goals for fun and equally devastating with either foot or his head, Ronaldo is the perfect striker.
Deco hasn’t had the best of seasons with Barcelona, due to continued uncertainty over his position at the club and this has reflected in his performances for the national side. With Euro 2008 giving him the perfect shop window, Portugal will hope that he rises to the occasion.
Miguel Veloso has been touted as the next big money export set to leave Portugal. The Sporting Lisbon youngster, who is equally proficient as a defensive midfielder, in central defence or at left-back, has aroused the interest of many of Europe’s biggest clubs. His youthful exuberance and high energy levels could prove invaluable for the Portuguese midfield.
Past Championships
Portugal failed to qualify for the finals of the first six tournaments (1960 – 1980 inclusive). They reached the semi- finals in 1984 and 2000 and were runners-up, on home turf, in 2004. Losing by the odd goal to outsiders Greece must still smart, and a last-four place in the 2006 World Cup illustrates that the Portuguese have lost none of their competitive edge.
1960 - Did not qualify
1964 - Did not qualify
1968 - Did not qualify
1972 - Did not qualify
1976 - Did not qualify
1980 - Did not qualify
1984 - Semi-finals
1988 - Did not qualify
1992 - Did not qualify
1996 - Quarter-finals
2000 - Semi-finals
2004 - Final
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