There are some teams in the football world for whom the saying ” So near, yet so far!” fits exceedingly well. Portugal football team, two times FIFA World Cup semifinalists, is one such team. In 1966, despite Portugal’s dream run to the semi-final where they defeated Hungary, Bulgaria, defending champions Brazil and North Korea en route, they finally lost to hosts England. Portugal had to be contend with a third place finish. Again in 2006 Germany World Cup Portugal defeated Angola, Iran, Mexico and England. But they lost 2-1 to France in the semi-finals and finished fourth after losing to hosts Germany. But in their fifth appearance in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Portugal looks poised to create history.

How They Got There?

Best Forward In Their Side

Although touted as the group favorite, Portugal’s world cup qualifier campaign wasn’t a cakewalk. After winning the inaugural match against Malta, Portugal lost the next match to Denmark and went onto draw the next four out of five matches and faced the elimination threat. But, the second phase saw a resurgent Portugal, drawing with Denmark in the away match and defeating Hungary and Malta. The three matches saw Portugal scoring 8 goals without conceding any. This earned them the playoff spot against Bosnia-Herzegovina. But Portugal won both the home and away matches comfortably and was through to the World Cup finals.

The Coach

Portugal national football team coach Carlos Queiroz is credited to have guided players like Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Fernando Couto to win the FIFA World Youth Championships in 1989 and 1991. Apart from coaching Portugal during 1991-1993, Queiroz has coached U.A.E and South Africa. Under Queiroz’s coaching South Africa qualified for 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. But Carlos Queiroz is best known for being the assistant coach of Manchester United in two phases, during 2002-2003 and 2004-2008. He also coached Real Madrid during 2003-2004 and won them the Spanish Super Cup. In his second stint with Portugal since 2008, Queiroz was almost on the verge of being sacked after Portugal’s disastrous performance in the first half of the qualifiers. However, he will now look forward to prove his mettle on the biggest stage in South Africa.

The Team

Can Talent Bring Rewards In Africa?

Portugal’s star studded world cup squad has arguably the best striker in the world Cristiano Ronaldo. The Real Madrid star has Manchester United’s Nani and Atletico Madrid’s Simao Sabrosa for company. Portugal has one of the strongest midfield in the world with Chelsea’s Deco, Real Madrid’s Pepe and Porto’s Raul Meireles at the helm of affairs. Chelsea’s Ricardo Carvalho led defense has Valencia’s Miguel, Chelsea’s Paulo Ferreira, Porto’s Bruno Alves and Rolando. The Portuguese are likely to stick to their first choice goalkeeper Eduardo in South Africa.

Pool of Talent Just Gets Bigger

Portugal has a very high team spirit and their grit and determination was the reason for which they bounced back so well in the qualifiers. But will the team’s talent and team spirit be able to win them the title? World Cup is a tournament that tests mental strength, apart from skills. There are other strong contenders in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa as well. But can Portugal outrun all of them?

Others in Group G

1. Brazil
2. Korea DPR
3. Ivory Coast