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World Cup 2010 Teams – Portugal

Portugal almost added another failure to an already long list of unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaigns. Sneaking into South Africa via a playoff, the Portuguese have not been given any breathing space in Group G. Having been drawn alongside Brazil, the Ivory Coast and North Korea, they now face a tough battle in order to progress to the knockout stages.

Qualifying Campaign

Despite a 4-0 win against Malta in its opening game, Portugal’s World Cup campaign soon began to falter. After a home loss to Denmark, followed by 3 goalless draws, the Portuguese found themselves under extreme pressure. They managed to pull themselves together, however, winning their last 3 group games to claim second-place by 1 point over Sweden.

In the ensuing play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal won both legs 1-0 to slip into South Africa through the backdoor.

World Cup History

Today, Portugal has a reputation as a powerful footballing nation. This is a very modern phenomenon, however, as the Portuguese had only ever qualified for two World Cup finals prior to 2002. They made it into third-place in 1966 while suffering an early exit 20 years later in 1986.

In the 2002 World Cup, the Portuguese again confirmed their reputation as World Cup underachievers, failing to progress beyond the first group round. The Germany 2006 World Cup, however, was a far greater success; the Portuguese won all of their group games and went on to knockout both the Netherlands and England. They eventually lost 1-0 to France in the semi-final, with Zinedine Zidane scoring the game’s only goal from the penalty spot.

The Coach

Carlos Queiroz began his managerial career in the early 1990s with the Portuguese national youth team. His is largely credited with the discovery and development of later stars such as Luís Figo and Rui Costa. Queiroz was given control of the senior national team in 1991 but, having failed to get Portugal to both Euro ’92 and the 1994 World Cup, he left in less than amicable circumstances.

He then turned to club football, taking charge of Sporting CP before stints with NY/NJ MetroStars and Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight. In 1999, Queiroz took charge of the United Arab Emirates before becoming manager of the South African national team.

Queiroz then began his first spell as Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United. His success in England attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who offered him the high-profile job of team manager. After only one season, having led Real to an unsatisfactory fourth place finish in La Liga, Queiroz was sacked. He returned to Manchester before once again taking charge of Portugal in 2008.

While Queiroz is seen as an exceptional team organiser, both his leadership and motivational abilities have been questioned by the Portuguese media. He has plenty of star players available to him, but if he fails to take them far in South Africa he will certainly face the axe.

The Players

The Portuguese squad has just the right balance of youth and experience, and there are plenty of star players waiting to take to the field in South Africa. Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira are both hugely experienced defenders, ably supported by Pepe (Real Madrid) and Bruno Alves (Porto).

The talent available in midfield is impressive. Players such as Raul Meireles, Tiago, Duda, João Moutinho and Deco provide a good balance of defensive strength and attacking flair. Add Simão, Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo into the mix, and the Portuguese look impressive indeed.

Brazilian-born striker Liédson is likely to spearhead the attack, with the likes of Ronaldo pushing up alongside him.

Group G

Portugal has been drawn in Group G alongside Brazil, North Korea and the Ivory Coast. The Brazilians are favourites to win the group, while the North Koreans are unlikely to trouble any of their Group G rivals. The Ivory Coast, meanwhile, is seen as the strongest African nation in the 2010 World Cup. With players such as Salomon Kalou, Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré and Didier Drogba, the Ivoirians will be looking to progress to the knockout stages.

Group Matches and Analysis

Group G will be a tough test for the Portuguese. North Korea is unlikely to pick up any points, leaving the big three to battle it out for the top two spots. The importance of Portugal’s opening game against the Ivory Coast cannot be overstated. The result of this match could well decide Portugal’s fate. A loss would leave the Portuguese needing a win against Brazil in their final Group G game, a situation they would be wise to avoid.

Conversely, a win against the Ivory Coast would set Portugal up very nicely indeed. A follow-up victory against North Korea would give the Portuguese a total of six points before facing Brazil, hugely reducing the pressure. However, both Portugal and Brazil would still be looking to secure first place in Group G in order to avoid a second round knockout tie against Spain, the reigning European champions.

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