There is some substance to the hope in Portugal's chances. Coach Carlos Queiroz has nurtured many of the stars of Portugal's golden generation (Luis Figo, Rui Costa et al), and has coached the host nation.The squad has a good balance of creativity and defensive strength, and Queiroz will be keen to ensure that it does not over rely on Cristiano Ronaldo, although he does not exactly seem to not thrive on pressure. The man delivers. Other than CR9, veterans Deco and Hugo Almeida will be keen to bring success to a nation that has dazzled and entertained but without any tangible reward.
Of particular interest will be the sexy tie v Brasil, although it risks being a dead rubber as both teams will be in all likelihood already qualified from their first 2 group games.
For all this though, Portugal face the dim prospect of facing Spain in the first knockout round.
GP
I think having football's version of the Material Girl in their national team will definitely be a hinderance to the progress of Portugal
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing that sooky sooky la la called CR9 cry when they get knocked out at the group stage....just like the EURO 2004 final when they lost to Greece and they started whinging about how defensive Greece was. Maybe if that chump called Paulista actually banged a few balls in the back of the old garlic bag they may have won the tournament.....actually he did not even know where the old garlic bag was..
CR9 to shed more tears than succesfully eluding defenders with his oversteps. He is definitely no Messi
Yep and Spain will send them to an early one I feel..
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