A recent analysis described Portugal as a side with everything except a striker. That about sums it up.Portugal are blessed with great quality and depth, and can count on at least two world-class players in each part of the field. Even at centre-forward, the trusty Helder Postiga is competent, if limited.Heres a look at Paulo Bentosbest players;those who willneed to up their game when the chips are down.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
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Ronaldo has won everything in club football several timesover league titles, Champions Leagues, Ballon dOr but he hasntwonan international tournament. Neither, for that matter, has Portugal. Brazil 2014 is unlikely to end that drought, but theteam is definitely last-eight quality, and doesnt lack ambition. Least of all thecaptain, who had an excellent World Cup 2010 and will look to add to his World Cup goals tally of 2.
As one of the two greatest players of his generation alongside Lionel Messi, Ronaldo is constantly under pressure to justify the hype. Hes done wellinthe red shirtthus far; buthaving seen enough of the knockouts over the last decade and a half, Portugals fans would be justified inexpectingmore from their team, and its hugely talented talisman.
#2 Joao Moutinho
The AS Monaco midfielder is Portugals most important creative cog, supplyingRonaldo with exquisite passes in the box. He can also press up the field, and his defensive work rate is immense.
A key individual battle in the group stages will be Moutinho againstGermanys Bastian Schweinsteiger. If Moutinho gets the better ofBayerns midfieldgeneral, he could run riot in front of goal.
#3 Pepe
One of three Real Madrid men in the likely starting XI, Pepe has long been a solid presence at the back for his adopted country. His pace, physicality and aggression allow Portugal to play a defensive high line, making the whole side more compact and potent.
His first test will come at the group stage, when Germany unleash Mesut Ozil and Marco Reus on the Portugal backline. Alongside Bruno Alves, Pepe’s rock-like assuredness and midfield rampaging will be crucial in creating space for Veloso and Meireles to press forward.
#4 Rui Patricio (GK)
Defence is a critical part of the Portuguesephilosophy; theyconceded only 1goal each in the group stages of the last two World Cups. Additionally,3 of their last 5 international tournaments involved a penalty shootout, so the goalkeeper plays a crucial role right till the end. Of course, penalties arent a fair measure of a keepers worth, but can definitely make thema hero Ricardo is still renowned as the man who beatEngland twice in two years.
Patricio iscomingoff a good season, havingkept 17 clean sheets in 29 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, and will almost certainly start all of Portugals matches. Despite an excellent defence, he can expect to be tested repeatedly and can be expected to deliver. Having lost a shootout to Spain two years ago, the Sporting manhasa point to prove.
#5 Nani
Nani is the Vinod Kambli ofPortugal andManchester United: hesdestined to be in a teammates shadowhis entire career.
Like Kambli, Nani has never taken the comparisonswell. Hes been decentfor Portugal though, linking up with right-back Pereira to retain the ball and launch attacks. And he still has an excellent through ball.
Against relatively lightweightleft-backs in the group stages, he will flourish. If he can find hisrhythm, Portugal might not be so dependenton thatotherwinger from Sporting, who will be playing on the opposite flank!
