Many believe it is about time Portugal claimed some silverware having proved themselves as a dominant side internationally over recent years – so perhaps the 2010 World Cup is their time to shine. They travel to South Africa to embark on just their fifth World Cup tournament having never claimed the title.
Many believe it is about time Portugal claimed some silverware having proved themselves as a dominant side internationally over recent years.
Portugal reached the final of Euro 2004 where they lost out to Greece, the semi finals of the 2006 World Cup when they lost to France and the quarters of Euro 2008. They have never progressed past the semi final stage of a world cup, and will certainly be setting their sights to do so this year.
The Portugal team gave their fans a scare on the start of their campaign for South Africa, securing just a single win in their opening five matches. However they found their form in the latter half of qualification, and easily won their two-legged tie with Bosnia-Herzegovina to head to South Africa.
Portugal have drawn Group G which sees them in with heavyweights Brazil, the Ivory Coast and North Korea, so will be realistically playing for second place, with the Ivory Coast most likely their biggest threat. If all goes according to the stats, Portugal will have another big ask ahead of them having to play pre tournament favourites Spain in the next round to progress to the quarters.
Portugal’s Group G Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 13 | 15.06.10 | Côte d’Ivoire V Portugal | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth | 16.00 | 00.00 (16.06.10) |
| 30 | 21.06.10 | Portugal V Korea DPR | Green Point Stadium, Cape Town | 13.30 | 21.30 |
| 45 | 25.06.10 | Portugal V Brazil | Durban Stadium, Durban | 16.00 | 00.00 (26.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
CRISTIANO RONALDO (CAPTAIN)
Born: 05.02.1985 in Funchal, Portugal
Height: 1.86 metres
Position: Forward
Club: Real Madrid, La Liga
International Debut: Vs Kazakhstan (20.08.2003)
Cristiano Ronaldo bounded onto the international circuit in Euro 2004 – his first international tournament, and despite only scoring two goals was still named in the team of the tournament. Ronaldo has been skipper of the Portuguese international side since 2008 and the appointment of coach Carlos Queiroz, and despite lacking form in the qualification campaign with no goals to his name, is now over his end of season injuries. The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year with be travelling to South Africa looking to make a hugely positive impact, as he leads his country from the front.
RICARDO CARVALHO
Born: 18.05.1978
Height: 1.83 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Chelsea FC, English Premier League
International Debut: Vs Albania (11.10.2003)
Ricardo Carvalho confirmed his place in Portugal’s line of defence during Euro 2004, his first international football tournament, and was nominated for the team of the tournament being hailed by some as the best defender at the tournament. Carvalho was also part of Portugals’ 2006 World Cup side where he was once again nominated for the team of the tournament.
DECO
Born: 27.08.1977 in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Height: 1.74 metres
Position: Midfielder
Club: Chelsea FC, English Premier League
International Debut: Vs Brazil (2002)
Deco has made himself a regular in the Portuguese side despite initial concerns about his Brazilian heritage among fans and fellow players; however he has certainly proven his worth for the team. In his first time playing on the international stage, Deco helped his national side to the semi finals where they lost by a single goal to France in the 2006 World Cup, and then two years later in Euro 2008. The 2010 World Cup will be the last time Deco puts on the Portugal shirt, with the successful midfielder announcing the tournament will see him retire from international football.
PORTUGUESE SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Coach | Carlos QUEIROZ |
| Goalkeepers | BETO |
| EDUARDO | |
| Daniel FERNANDES | |
| Defenders | Bruno ALVES |
| Ricardo CARVALHO | |
| Fabio COENTRAO | |
| Ricardo COASTA | |
| DUDA | |
| Paulo FERREIRA | |
| MIGUEL | |
| ROLANDO | |
| Midfielders | DECO |
| Raul MEIRELES | |
| Pedro MENDES | |
| PEPE | |
| TIAGO | |
| Miguel VELOSO | |
| Forwards | Hugo ALMEIDA |
| DANNY | |
| LIEDSON | |
| NANI | |
| Cristiano RONALDO | |
| SIMAO |
