Portugal
Group D | World ranking: 7 Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo (midfielder), Deco (midfielder), Pauleta (forward)
Past Record: Finished third in 1966 Group D Results:
June 11: Angola (1-0 | Report)
June 17: Iran (2-0 | Report)
June 21: Mexico (2-1 | Report) Knockout Stages:
June 25: Netherlands (1-0 | Report)
July 1: England (0-0 aet; Portugal win 3-1 on penalties | Report)
July 5: France (0-1 | Report)
July 8: Germany (1-3 | Report) Knockout Stages Summary:
Portugal's run to their first World Cup semifinal since 1966 must be considered a success but many will question the manner in which Luiz Felipe Scolari's side reached the last four. Portugal's 1-0 second round win over the Netherlands was the most notorious match of the tournament with both teams reduced to nine men as the referee showed 16 yellow cards. Maniche's early goal proved to be the only time Portugal found the net in three knockout ties. They failed to score against 10-man England after Wayne Rooney had been sent off early in the second half and needed Ricardo's brilliance in the penalty shootout to advance. And although they dominated for long periods of their semifinal with France, Portugal once again appeared to lack ideas in their opponents' penalty area. Group Summary:
With three wins from three matches and no major scares, Portugal have strolled into the knockout stages without ever needing to produce their best form. A low-key win over Angola in their opening match set the tone with players such as Pauleta, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo all playing comfortably within themselves. Portuguese fans will be expecting their side to show a little more adventure in the knockout stages, starting with a tough second round clash with the in-form Dutch. Pre-Tournament Preview:
Portugal should have the know-how to win the World Cup or at least come very close, with "Big Phil" Scolari seeking to repeat his World Cup triumph with Brazil four years ago and improve on Portugal's shock defeat by Greece in the final of Euro 2004. Scolari can also draw on the crop of players who won the Champions League with Porto in 2004. Elder statesman Luis Figo is back for one more shot at international glory, though the main attacking duties are likely to fall to young Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, supported by the wily skills of Simao Sabrosa and Deco in midfield. SquadGoalkeepers:
1. Ricardo Pereira (Sporting)
12. Quim Silva (Benfica)
22. Bruno Vale (Estrela Amadora) Defenders:
2. Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea)
3. Marco Caneira (Sporting)
4. Ricardo Costa (Porto)
5. Fernando Meira (VfB Stuttgart)
13. Miguel Monteiro (Valencia)
14. Nuno Valente (Everton)
16. Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea) Midfielders:
6. Costinha (Dynamo Moscow)
7. Luis Figo (Inter Milan)
8. Armando Petit (Benfica)
10. Hugo Viana (Valencia)
11. Simao Sabrosa (Benfica)
17. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
18. Maniche Ribeiro (Chelsea)
19. Tiago Mendes (Olympique Lyon)
20. Deco (Barcelona) Forwards:
9. Pauleta (Paris St. Germain)
15. Luis Boa Morte (Fulham)
21. Nuno Gomes (Benfica)
23. Helder Postiga (Saint Etienne)
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