Jun 01 2006 03:56 PM
Portugal
About Portugal
The Republica Portuguesa is a nation in the southwest of Europe sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain. 10,605,870 Portuguese live within the nation's 92,391 sq km (approximately the size of Indiana). Portugal as an independent entity goes back to 1143. The monarchy was overthrown and replaced with the current republic in October 1910. Prime Minister Jose Socrates is the current head of government. Lisbon is Portugal's capital and largest city. The Portuguese celebrate their national holiday - Portugal Day - each year on June 10 (which this year is the day before Portugal's first group match versus Angola). Source: CIA World Factbook.
Futebol in Portugal
The top professional league in Portugal is Liga Portugesa de Futebol Profissional and Portuguese players play in the top leagues across Europe. The national team makes its fourth appearance in the World Cup final, previously appearing in 1966, 1986, and 2002. Their first appearance was the Seleção's best showing as the made it to the semifinals losing to host and eventual World Cup champion England. The team had high hopes coming into the 2002 World Cup but did not make it past the group stage after falling to upstarts USA and South Korea. Sources: FIFAWorldCup.com and BBC Sport.
Futebol Legends
Eusebio without a doubt is Portugal's all-time soccer great. Eusebio's 9 goals were the most for any player in the 1966 World Cup and almost single-footedly led Portugal to their 3rd place finish. He had a long and succesful career in the Portuquese Leagues receiving many top-scorer awards before finishing his career in the NASL and Mexican League. José Mourinho currently the manager of Chelsea FC is considered one of the top managers in European football. Sources: FIFAWorldCup.com and BBC Sport.
This Year's Side
Portugal breezed their way through the qualifiers, undefeated in their group, to earn a spot in this year's finals. Along the way Portugal scored 35 goals and allowed only 5, the tops in Europe. Striker Pauleta led all of Europe with 11 of those goals. Cristiano Ronaldo a forward for Manchester United is the team's star player (but should not be confused with Ronaldo the star player for Brazil). As you can see from the photo on the right he's also a great prayer. While now past his prime, Luis Figo is considered one of Portugal and the world's top footballers. He came out of retirement from international competition this year to resume his position as captain of the Portuguese side. The forward currently plays for the Italian Serie A club Inter Milan. Portugal is managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Matches and Expectations
In group D play, Portugal will face Angola on June 11, Iran on June 17 and Mexico on June 21. The meeting with Angola is being played up as a David-Goliath match with the Angolan's hoping to gain a point from their former colonizers. The most challenging match will come against Mexico. The Portuguese team is strong and well-rounded on offense and defense, with perhaps their only weakness in goal. Their current world ranking is 7. Portugal should have no problem qualifying for the knock out rounds, although things will get tougher as they'll likely have to face the Netherlands or Argentina in the Round of 16. All in all, Portugal is good bet to get to the quarterfinals, possibly further.
