Why Portugal Could Win the 2006 World Cup
Most experts have them as a bit of an outside contender, but I think Portugal have a good shot at winning the big prize this year.
Why They Could Win It
With a good mix of youth and experience, Portugal came within inches of Euro glory in 2004. With former Brazil national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari calling the shots, Portugal has had an awesome international run of late, including a blistering WC qualification round that saw them go undefeated and score 35 goals in 12 games, 11 of those from the foot of Paris Saint-Germain striker Pauleta.
The Portuguese also have an abundance of creativity and talent in midfield, with the likes of Ronaldo, Deco and Maniche. In addition, their back line looks solid, anchored by the Chelsea duo of Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira.
Why They Could Lose It
Portugal can be their own worst enemies. When they are on, they are fantastic. But occasionally they seem to lack a certain something. Killer instinct, perhaps? Witness the Euro 2004 final – a game they should have won, but they never came out and delivered the killer blow and, the longer the game progressed, the more the Greeks believed they could actually win the thing. And sure enough they did.
That being said, I think Scolari is the asnwer here. He isn’t afraid to shake things up when the going gets tough (this is, after all, the guy who did the unthinkable at the 2004 Euro and pulled Figo), and knows how to motivate and inspire. Portugal are a team that is on form right now and are strong candidates to do well at World Cup 2006.
Key Figures
- ManU midfielder Christiano Ronaldo
- Pauleta – the most dangerous striker in European qualification
- Barca midfielder Deco
- Figo – is he past his prime, or does he have a new lease on life since moving from Real Madrid to Inter?
- Luiz Felipe Scolari - can the Manager who lead Brazil to the 2002 title (and almost led Portugal to a 2004 Euro victory) do the same for Portugal?
