Outright Odds: 22/1
Team D Winners: 5/six
After a disastrous 2002 Environment Cup, where they concluded base of their group pursuing defeats by the two America and South Korea, Portugal will be planning to eventually Dwell up for their potential within the Intercontinental phase.
Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten in their group and completed seven details very clear at the top. Portugal intended business On this group, Placing eleven previous Luxembourg throughout two legs and hammering next-favourites Russia 7-1 at your house.
The charismatic Luiz Felipe Scolari, or Significant Phil to his close friends, has designed a brand new group to switch the ageing or retired underachievers like Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Many others Even though Luis Figo, now getting into veteran position and from retirement, will be present in Germany. Irrespective of guiding Portugal to the ultimate of Euro 2004 and emphatic Planet Cup qualification, the general public remain not convinced he is the man to the occupation.
The teams core is predicated all around 4 gamers 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 offer a good foundation with the attack-minded stars to play around.
Attacking gamers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco compliment the aspect flawlessly and generate numerous possibilities for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. Germain hitman overtook Eusebios record of 41 international aims with a formidable haul of eleven in qualifying, producing him the ecu zones top rated goalscorer.
Manchester United winger Ronaldo could illuminate the finals with his expertise and coveted phase-overs. He weighed in with seven qualifying ambitions from midfield, raising his Fantasy Football inventory substantially.
Portugal have many of the makings of a Earth Cup successful aspect: a reliable defence, exceptional good quality and goalscoring probable from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.
Their major downfall seems to be the goalkeeping placement. Sporting Lisbons Ricardo and Quim from Benfica are both equally vying for your jersey Even though the supporters choice seems to be out-of-favour Vitor Baia. A veteran with the 2002 Globe Cup facet, 36-yr-outdated Baia was omitted from Scolaris remaining 23 from the Euro 2004 squad.
Encouraged Bet:
The underachieving squad from your past have Just about all been changed by a brand new crop of young expertise. Outdated stagers Luis Figo and Pauleta will hunt for a closing swansong, Together with the latter a audio 카지노사이트 Every single-way wager for leading goalscorer position.
Portugal to gain Group D @ five/six
E/W Pauleta as prime goalscorer @ 40/1