Portugal

Portugal have never won a major tournament but will be looking to right that wrong in South Africa.

They were finalists in Euro 2004 losing out to Greece and semi-finalists in the last World Cup in Germany but with a fantastically experienced defence and a midfield and strike force packed with talent it was a surprise to see them having to qualify through the play-offs.

Coach Carlos Queiroz will be looking to Cristiano Ronaldo, his captain, to provide the nucleus for a Portugal victory in South Africa. If Ronaldo is on form Portugal may just be unstoppable.

Star Man – Cristiano Ronaldo

The most expensive footballer ever costing £80m and currently the second best player in the world behind Lionel Messi, CR9 will be looking to prove he can be the best in the spotlight on the world stage (where he loves to be).

Ronaldo will want to showcase his incredible talents in front of the whole world, from his fantastic freekicks to his mazy runs and maybe with a step over or two in between.

The Real Madrid winger will surely be key to a Portugese side who didn’t have the greatest qualifying campaign and with the group of death awaiting them which includes Brazil and Ivory Coast, Ronaldo will need to be at his very best if Portugal are going to go the whole way in South Africa.

Coach - Carlos Queiroz

A former Real Madrid manager and Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United for two periods, Querioz certainly comes with some pedigree however, Portugal’s woeful qualifying campaign only just ended in joy as they beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs avoiding a banna skin tie unlike the Russians.

Whilst Queiroz’s managerial attempts have so far garnered nothing more than FIFA youth tournament victories he will be hoping that having one of the world’s best players in Cristiano Ronaldo might lead his side through the group stages.

That was until his side was handed the group of death which include, Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

Querioz will need Ronaldo in top form against club mate Kaka and will need to make sure his defence can hold out the usual attacking prowess from Brazil. If they can qualify out of this group he will regain some of the respect he lost during their not so great qualifying campaign. If they don’t however, he may be out of a job.

One to Watch - Fabio Coentrao

A young winger with the ability to fill in it left back in emergencies, Coentrao is beginning to get back on track after a difficult season on loan in Spain last year on loan at Real Zaragoza.

His coach Carlos Quieroz is known for his success with youngsters in the early nineties with players like Figo, Rui Costa and Fernando Couto, so Coentrao is in the right hands and if he is given his chance in South Africa like he was in the play-offs against Bosnia and Herzegovina he may well shine as speedy left winger with an eye for a sensational goal.

Don’t be surprised if hits some long range efforts to test the opposing goalkeeper.

Odds to win - 25/1

GROUP STAGE FIXTURES