With their “golden generation” depleted and poor recent form, many are writing off the Portugese side already, yet they have a huge ace in the hole – Cristiano Ronaldo. Can the Real Madrid maestro single-handedly deliver glory this summer?
After squeaking through the European qualifying playoffs over Bosnia, Portugal’s recent form has done little to comfort those mourning the gradual passing of the nation’s “golden generationâ€. After such an unimpressive road to the World Cup, the side recently slumped to an astonishing 0-0 home draw to the Cape Verde Islands, a lowly 117th in FIFA’s world rankings.
Thus Carlos Quieroz has the unenviable task of rousing a side that in many ways has taken over from Spain’s former mantle – promising so much but consistently underachieving on the world stage. In Portugal’s defence, their squad still boasts a strong pedigree, with a formidable central defensive partnership of Bruno Alves and Ricardo Carvalho, and the exciting prospect that is back up left back and winger Fábio Coentrão. And of course the side relies on one beguiling, hair-gelled, perma-tanned player more than anyone else – Cristiano Ronaldo.
Star Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
After capping an astonishing first season at Real Madrid, the world’s most expensive player will lead the charge for Portugal this summer. Much like his constant competition for world’s best footballer, Leo Messi, Ronaldo has also been accused of struggling to transfer his exemplary club form to the international stage. Whilst hitting the net 22 times in 77 appearances is never to be sneezed at, his is a Portugal side that has struggled for goals since the retirement of striker Pauleta, even drawing 0-0 three times consecutively during the qualifying stages.
The side has done everything within their power to reverse its goal glut since, even quickly rubber-stamping the naturalisation of Brazilian-born striker Liédson in 2009. Now a first-team regular, Liédson is a firm example of a side aware and terrified of its weaknesses. A player of enormous, near unparalleled talent, Ronaldo is no stranger to marshalling sides to his whim and he alone could transform his country’s fortunes.
Manager: Carlos Quieroz
Former Real Madrid coach and Man United assistant Quieroz has done little to endear himself to fans in a post-Scolari world. Though he has international experience from guiding Portugal to consecutive World Youth Championship titles in 1989 and 1991, Quieroz has struggled to replicate such success with the senior side from 1991-1993, failing to qualify for Euro ’92 or the 1994 World Cup. Building a globetrotting managerial career thereafter (including leading South Africa to the 2002 World Cup before resigning pre-tournament), Quieroz has finally returned to his old hunting ground with mixed success. He’s prone to baffling tactical choices (Real Madrid central defender Pepe has been known to operate in the middle of the park), and anything less than a quarter-final appearance could result in another P45 from the Portugese FA.
Prediction: Second round exit
More so than any other first-week fixture, Portugal’s June 15th battle against the Ivory Coast could decide the qualifiers of their respective group. Meeting Brazil in their final group match, the side will be hoping to take to the field with nothing less than six points already under their belt. The Elephants will be motivated and explosive on their home continent but the possible absence of Didier Drogba may be too difficult to overcome.
Odds: 25/1
Irishness rating: 4/10
Hmm. Aside from exiled Jesuits in the 15th and 16th century, there’s little connection between Ireland and Portugal to be found on the Google machine. With Greece and the Balearic Islands still the desired destination for post-Leaving Cert holidays, Portugal is yet to experience the “culture†of bright red Irish farmer-tanned youngsters copulating and vomiting in broad daylight. Probably for the best.
If they were a car they’d be…
A Porsche 911 – a one-tricky pony.
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