Outright Odds: 22/1
Group D Winners: 5/six
After a disastrous 2002 Globe Cup, in which they concluded base in their group pursuing defeats 카지노사이트 by each the United States and South Korea, Portugal will be seeking to finally Are living up to their opportunity within the Global stage.
Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten in their group and completed seven details crystal clear at the highest. Portugal intended enterprise On this group, putting eleven earlier Luxembourg across two legs and hammering next-favourites Russia seven-one in your own home.
The charismatic Luiz Felipe Scolari, or Massive Phil to his pals, has constructed a brand new crew to interchange the ageing or retired underachievers like Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Some others Despite the fact that Luis Figo, now getting into veteran status and from retirement, are going to be current in Germany. Inspite of guiding Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 and emphatic Entire world Cup qualification, the general public are still not convinced He's the man for that career.
The teams core is predicated around four players who won 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 sound foundation with the assault-minded stars to mess around.
Attacking gamers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco compliment the side flawlessly and build numerous possibilities for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. Germain hitman overtook Eusebios record of 41 Worldwide goals with an impressive haul of eleven in qualifying, producing him the ecu zones prime goalscorer.
Manchester United winger Ronaldo could illuminate the finals together with his techniques and coveted phase-overs. He weighed in with 7 qualifying targets from midfield, raising his Fantasy Football stock considerably.
Portugal have every one of the makings of the Globe Cup successful facet: a solid defence, Extraordinary high-quality and goalscoring likely from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.
Their key downfall seems to become the goalkeeping placement. Sporting Lisbons Ricardo and Quim from Benfica are both of those vying for the jersey although the supporters alternative seems to be out-of-favour Vitor Baia. A veteran with the 2002 Earth Cup side, 36-12 months-outdated Baia was omitted from Scolaris last 23 in the Euro 2004 squad.
Recommended Bet:
The underachieving squad from your previous have Virtually all been changed by a brand-new crop of youthful talent. Previous stagers Luis Figo and Pauleta will try to find a final swansong, With all the latter a sound each-way wager for top goalscorer status.
Portugal to earn Group D @ 5/six
E/W Pauleta as top rated goalscorer @ 40/1