Portugal

The Scolari formula

Portugal line up for a team photo, 14 June 2002 at the Incheon Munhak Stadium in Incheon, prior to first round Group D action between Portugal and Korea in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan. From L above: Vitor Baia, Paulo Bento, Pauleta, Fernando Couto, Jorge Costa, Beto. From L bottom: Sergio Conceiçao, Petit, Joao Pinto, Rui Jorge, Luis Figo. AFP PHOTO/EMMANUEL DUNAND

Having failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups Portugal suffered more agony when they flopped at Japan-Korea 2002. However, some pundits feel Euro 2004 could see them win a first ever international trophy, and not only because they carry the home advantage.

The hosts can also boast Luiz Felipe Scolari as coach, the man big enough to axe Romario and shape a faltering Brazil squad into the 2002 World Cup winning side.

But under Scolari, Portugal's results have been far from excellent.

After he ousted several players from the squad that exited the 2002 World Cup (losing to the US and South Korea in the Group stages) he again brought in new faces after a devastating 3-0 friendly defeat to Spain in 2003.

Many Portugal fans were outraged when Scolari dropped veteran 'keeper Victor Baia, as Brazilian fans had been with the Romario saga. But you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs and Scolari wanted Ricardo, the Sporting Lisbon player, who is now indeed considered the better 'keeper.

The first-round draw for the finals pitches Portugal against neighbours Spain, Greece and Russia. Early in Scolari's tenure Spain thrashed Portugal 3-0, an experience that provoked a mini revolution in his team selection and one which leaves this new 'derby' one of the key first round ties.

The talent

Three veterans, the 2001 world player of the year Luis Figo, AC Milan's Rui Costa and Lazio defender Fernando Couto, are all still there and are desperate to shine on their last big stage.

There is also a crop of new talent led by Manchester United starlet Christiano Ronaldo and two other Premiership youngsters, Helder Postiga and Hugo Viana of Tottenham and Newcastle.

Portugal can also count on that all important asset, an out-and-out number nine, in the free scoring Pauleta, not quite Ronaldo but player of the year in France in 2002 and 2003.

The naturalised Brazilian Deco knows a thing or two about opening up defences with mazy runs or deft passes and will also be a man to look out for in midfield.

Portugal will hope to avoid France, who scored late wins against them in the semi-finals at both the 2000 and 1984 editions of the tournament.

But fans will be licking their lips in anticipation as they see eight newly built or rennovated stadiums spring up in their homeland.

But can Scolari can find the winning formula he provided for Brazil in 2002 that would carry this talented and diverse squad to a long awaited first trophy?

Factfile on Portugal

Population

10.1 million

Area

92,072 km²

Capital

Lisbon

Currency

Euro

Federation

Federacao Portuguesa de Futebol founded in 1914

Affiliated to FIFA

1923

Affiliated to UEFA

1954

Registered players

98,500

Colours

Claret shirts and socks and green shorts, all with a gold trimming

Top clubs

FC Porto, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon

World Cup appearances

3 (1966, 1986, 2002)

World Cup honours

Third-place (1966)

European Championship appearances

4 (1984, 1996, 2000, 2004)

European Championship honours

Semi-finals (1984, 2000), Quarter-finals (1996)

How they qualified

Automatic qualification as hosts

Key players

Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Pauleta, Fernando Couto, Sergio Conceicao, Deco

Coach

Luiz Felipe Scolari