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Outright Odds: 22/1

Group D Winners: 5/6

Immediately after a disastrous 2002 World Cup, in which they finished bottom of their group following defeats by both the United States and South Korea, Portugal will be seeking to finally live up to their potential on the international stage.

Qualification was a breeze. They remained unbeaten in their group and finished seven points clear at the top rated. Portugal meant enterprise in this group, placing 11 past Luxembourg across two legs and hammering second-favourites Russia 7-1 at residence.

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

The teams core is based about 4 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 solid base for the attack-minded stars to play around.

Attacking players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and naturalised Brazilian Deco compliment the side perfectly and create quite a few probabilities for striker Pauleta. The Paris St. transfer lviv on-line Germain hitman overtook Eusebios record of 41 international targets 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 abilities 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 World Cup winning side: a solid defence, exceptional high quality and goalscoring prospective from midfield and Europes deadliest striker in qualifying.

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

Proposed Bet:

The 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 look for a final swansong, with the latter a sound each and every-way bet for best goalscorer status.

Portugal to win Group D @ remove frames five/6

E/W Pauleta as top rated goalscorer @ 40/1