MX23RW : Thursday, November 28 00:05:54| >> :120:50917:50917:

Euro 2012 Preview: Portugal

Having come so close to glory in 2004, Sports Mole considers Portugal's chances in Poland and the Ukraine.

Always unpredictable, Portugal have the chance to erase the heartbreak of 2004 at this year's European Championships.

A minority of the players that lost the final on home soil to underdogs Greece eight years ago will feature in Poland and Ukraine.

However, they will have to survive the 'Group of Death' if they are to clinch a first major honour on the international stage.

Group: B

Paulo Bento: A combative midfielder in his day, the 42-year-old has given the national team a much-needed freedom under his guidance.

Players to watch:

Cristiano Ronaldo: What is there left to say about Portugal's captain? Powerful, skilful and the ability to change a match single-handedly, the winger will be aching to add the European Championship to his extensive medal collection.

Ricardo Quaresma: Having failed to live up to much of the hype surrounding him, Quaresma has the chance to silence the doubters this summer.

Pepe: The Real Madrid centre-back won't be giving a masterclass on the art of defending, but he is almost guaranteed to indulge in some over-the-top antics.

Previous best: Runners-up 2004

Sports Mole says: Group stages

ID:28479: cacheID:28479:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1999:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Read Next:
Bento bemoans "unfair" Turkey result
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Fulham125341717018
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!