Outright Odds: 22/one
Team D Winners: five/6
Following a disastrous 2002 Globe Cup, where they completed bottom in their team following defeats by equally America and South Korea, Portugal will probably be wanting to lastly Stay up for their opportunity within the Intercontinental phase.
Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten in their group and concluded 7 factors obvious at the very best. Portugal meant company With this group, putting 11 previous Luxembourg throughout two legs and hammering second-favourites Russia 7-one in your own home.
The charismatic Luiz Felipe Scolari, or Huge Phil to his mates, has crafted a fresh crew to exchange the ageing or retired underachievers like Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Other folks although Luis Figo, now coming into veteran position and from retirement, will likely be existing in Germany. Inspite of guiding Portugal to the 바카라사이트 ultimate of Euro 2004 and emphatic World Cup qualification, the general public remain not persuaded He's the man for your task.
The teams core relies all-around 4 players 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 supply a strong foundation to the attack-minded stars to play around.
Attacking gamers including Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco compliment the side completely and build many odds for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. Germain hitman overtook Eusebios document of 41 Intercontinental aims with a powerful haul of eleven in qualifying, building him the eu zones prime goalscorer.
Manchester United winger Ronaldo could illuminate the finals with his techniques and coveted stage-overs. He weighed in with seven qualifying objectives from midfield, raising his Fantasy Football stock significantly.
Portugal have all the makings of the World Cup successful facet: a sound defence, Outstanding high-quality and goalscoring prospective from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.
Their primary downfall appears for being the goalkeeping position. Sporting Lisbons Ricardo and Quim from Benfica are both of those vying with the jersey Even though the supporters option is apparently out-of-favour Vitor Baia. A veteran on the 2002 Entire world Cup aspect, 36-calendar year-previous Baia was omitted from Scolaris final 23 from the Euro 2004 squad.
Recommended Bet:
The underachieving squad in the previous have Pretty much all been changed by a completely new crop of young expertise. Aged stagers Luis Figo and Pauleta will try to find a ultimate swansong, Along with the latter a audio Every-way wager for prime goalscorer status.
Portugal to earn Group D @ 5/6
E/W Pauleta as major goalscorer @ 40/one