Planet Cup 2006 Preview - Portugal

出典: くみこみックス

Outright Odds: 22/1

Group D Winners: five/6

Right transfer kyiv after a disastrous 2002 Globe Cup, in which they finished bottom of their group following defeats by each the United States and South Korea, Portugal will be searching to lastly live up to their possible on the international stage.

Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten in their group and completed seven points clear at the leading. Portugal meant business in this group, placing 11 past Luxembourg across two legs and hammering second-favourites Russia 7-1 at property.

The charismatic Luiz Felipe Scolari, or Big Phil to his buddies, has built a new team to replace the ageing or retired underachievers such as Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and other people though Luis Figo, now entering veteran status and out of retirement, will be present in Germany. Regardless of guiding Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 and emphatic Globe Cup qualification, the public are nonetheless not convinced he is the man for the job.

The teams core is based about 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 give a strong base for the attack-minded stars to play about.

Attacking players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco compliment the side perfectly and create numerous chances for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. Germain hitman overtook Eusebios record of 41 international objectives with an impressive haul of 11 in qualifying, making him the European zones leading goalscorer.

Manchester United winger Ronaldo could illuminate the finals with his capabilities and coveted step-overs. He weighed in with seven qualifying objectives from midfield, raising his Fantasy Football stock considerably.

Portugal have all the makings of a Globe Cup winning side: a solid defence, exceptional top quality and goalscoring prospective from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.

Their partner sites principal downfall appears to be the goalkeeping position. Sporting Lisbons Ricardo and Quim from Benfica are both vying for the jersey despite the fact that the supporters choice appears to be out-of-favour Vitor Baia. A veteran of the 2002 Globe Cup side, 36-year-old Baia was omitted from Scolaris final 23 in the Euro 2004 squad.

Proposed Bet:

The discount euro 2012 kyiv underachieving squad from the past have practically all been replaced by a brand new crop of young talent. Old stagers Luis Figo and Pauleta will appear for a final swansong, with the latter a sound each-way bet for top goalscorer status.

Portugal to win Group D @ five/6

E/W Pauleta as top goalscorer @ 40/1