Portugal faced a difficult task during qualification, just managing to finish 2nd in their group behind Denmark. This forced them into a play-off where they managed to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina. In Carlos Queiroz they have an experienced manager who cut his teeth as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Manchester United. Most of the later games were played without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo but Portugal still boasts a team of world stars including Deco, Simao and Ricardo Carvalho. Portugal fall into the category of under-achievers – their biggest disappointment is losing the final of Euro 2004 on home soil to Greece – and until they win a major tournament there will always be question marks over their mental attitude and resilience..

Cristiano Ronaldo

Age: 24
Position: Winger, Forward
Club: Real Madrid (Spain-La Liga)
Caps: 68 (22 goals)
Top Goal Scorer Odds: 14/1

World and European player of the year in 2008, the mere sight of Ronaldo flying down the wing has defenders quaking in their boots. Add to his speed and skill a very high goal ratio – he scored an incredible 42 goals in the 2007/8 season for Manchester United – and you have pretty close to the complete player. His recent move to Real Madrid made him the highest paid player in the world although niggling injuries have meant his first season in the Spanish capital is yet to take off. Portugal will hope he can stay fit and focused for his second World Cup appearance as he is one of the few genuine match-winners in World football.