Outright Odds: 22/1
Group D Winners: five/six
Following a disastrous 2002 Entire world Cup, in which they concluded base in their team subsequent defeats by the two America and South Korea, Portugal might be seeking to ultimately Dwell up to their probable to the Worldwide stage.
Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten in their team and concluded 7 factors obvious at the best. Portugal meant small business In this particular team, Placing 11 previous Luxembourg throughout two legs and hammering second-favourites Russia 7-1 in the home.
The charismatic Luiz Felipe Scolari, or Major Phil to his mates, has designed a whole new workforce to replace the ageing or retired underachievers which include Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Other individuals although Luis Figo, now getting into veteran standing and from retirement, will be existing in Germany. Irrespective of guiding Portugal to the ultimate of Euro 2004 and emphatic Environment Cup qualification, the general public remain not confident he is the man to the job.
The groups Main relies all around 4 gamers who gained 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 provide a sound base for that assault-minded stars to play around.
Attacking players which include Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco 카지노사이트 compliment the facet flawlessly and create a lot of chances for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. Germain hitman overtook Eusebios record of 41 Global ambitions with a powerful haul of eleven in qualifying, earning him the European zones prime goalscorer.
Manchester United winger Ronaldo could illuminate the finals together with his competencies and coveted phase-overs. He weighed in with seven qualifying aims from midfield, boosting his Fantasy Football inventory significantly.
Portugal have each of the makings of a Earth Cup successful facet: a reliable defence, Outstanding quality and goalscoring possible from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.
Their principal downfall seems to generally be the goalkeeping position. Sporting Lisbons Ricardo and Quim from Benfica are each vying to the jersey Even though the supporters preference appears to be out-of-favour Vitor Baia. A veteran from the 2002 Earth Cup side, 36-year-outdated Baia was omitted from Scolaris last 23 while in the Euro 2004 squad.
Proposed Wager:
The underachieving squad from the past have Just about all been changed by a new crop of youthful talent. Outdated stagers Luis Figo and Pauleta will search for a last swansong, Together with the latter a sound Each individual-way bet for best goalscorer standing.
Portugal to acquire Group D @ five/six
E/W Pauleta as top rated goalscorer @ 40/one