The Navigators seek Glory

Portugal

With a squad as gifted as their Iberian neighbours Spain; Portugal once a feared name in the World of Football have been in and out of the doldrums. The promised Golden Generation with the likes of Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Fernando Couto, the Pinto brothers, Victor Baia amongst others are long gone but Selecção das Quinas are primed to lay claim to World Cup glory in South Africa.

The great Eusebio was phenomenal in his playing days as Cristiano Ronaldo could be phenomenal for Portugal in South Africa. The weight of expectation on the Real Madrid midfielder-turned-striker is enormous due to his reputation as a goal scorer and playmaker.

Admitted Portugal play good football, but why is goal-scoring such a big problem for Selecção das Quinas? The Portuguese came undone in the semi-finals in Germany four years ago. Eight years earlier in Korea/Japan 2002 it was a disaster as the Humberto Coelho tutored side failed to make it out of the group phase against Poland, the United States and Italy.

With a good mix of youth and experience, Carlos Queiroz’s side are strong contenders for the trophy. How will Portugal fare in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ including Brazil, the Ivory Coast and North Korea? Or will they be tagged as 'Underachievers'?