Portugal
Portugal - Group G (Germany, Ghana, USA)
Despite producing some of the best talents in football - Luis Figo, Eusebio, Cristiano Ronaldo to name a few, who can change the game on its face with inspirational displays, Portugal failed to find it difficult to make an impact at international stage. Their best performance in the World Cup so far remains their maiden campaign in 1966 England, where they finished in third place
Profile - The Navigators
Although they were never a force to reckon to win a major tourney since their advent in 1914, they have managed to be part of some, although rare, memorable displays, like the semi finals appearance on their 1966 debut, FIFAWorld Cup Most Entertaining Team in 2006. The emergence of Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player on the planet, regaining the Ballon d'Or from Lionel Messi, will put the Portuguese in contention this summer
Their persistence in coming back from behind should be noted and they are their most adept at converting set piece scenarios but their own defense occasionally fails to guard the same
Confederation: UEFA (Europe)
Coach: Paulo Bento (POR)
FIFA Ranking: 3 (8-May-2014)
Nickname: Os Navegadores (The Navigators)
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Moutinho
Legends: Eusebio, Figo, Rui Costa
History - Impressive on Debuts
Portugal reached semi finals of the World Cup twice in 1966 and 2006, winning the third place at England. At the Euro Championships, they reached finals at home in 2004 losing out to surprise winner Greece. They have also reached Euro semi finals three more times, including their maiden campaign in 1984
Qualification - Moments of Magic
Having been sent to playoffs after losing a single game against eventual winners Russia in Group H of UEFA qualifiers, Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the team to win the place in finals against Sweden. With either Ronaldo or Ibrahimovich, another extraordinary player, to be featured at the World Cup in Brazil, Cristiano scored all the four goal for Portugal, including a hat-trick in the return fixture, while Zlatan scored all two goals for Sweden
Prospects - Tough Ask
If the talent on display lives up to its expectations, Portugal would might be a surprise package in this tourney, but their journey to final would be very tough. Having to contend with tourney favorites Germany and resilient United States in their group, they are set to face underdogs Belgium, Messi and Argentina, and defending champs Spain in the knockouts
Squad
Goalkeepers:
Rui Patricio (Sporting), Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga)
Defenders:
Andre Almeida (Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia/ESP), Neto (Zenith St-Petersburg), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia)
Midfielders:
Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting)
Strikers:
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg)
Fixtures
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