Portugal TEAMS

Regardless of how talented the rest of its squad may be, Portugal begins and ends with superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Can the world's most expensive player help Portugal match its 2006 World Cup fourth-place finish or even exceed it?


World-Portugal's progress rests on Ronaldo's shoulders


LISBON, May 21 (Reuters) - Portugal's chances of success at the World Cup depend largely on the form of Cristiano Ronaldo but also on whether they can turn their stylish approach play into enough goals.

Matching their fourth place in Germany 2006 will be a tall order, particularly as the Portuguese -- often compared to the Brazilians because of their technical skills -- have been drawn in a tough group that includes Brazil.

Portugal must first play Didier Drogba-led Ivory Coast and North Korea in Group G.

"Ivory Coast is considered to be the team from Africa most likely to get a great result at the World Cup," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters. "For us, the first game (Ivory Coast) will be the decisive game in this campaign."

Ronaldo did not score or perform spectacularly in the qualifiers, but a strong debut season for Real Madrid and a desire to outshine Argentina's Lionel Messi may give the winger the impetus to reveal his best form.

Portugal's prospects will also depend on their other forwards leaving their goalscoring troubles behind in Europe. The side struggled in the early qualifiers, missing chance after chance, and had to produce a late surge to reach the finals.

Queiroz then brought in Brazil-born striker Liedson, who chipped in with two important goals. If he and/or Ronaldo hits form, with Nani, Simao and Deco providing the bullets, Portugal could be very hard to stop.

Portugal also have quality at the back even without injured right back Jose Bosingwa, but Pepe would be badly missed if he fails to recover from a knee injury.

World Cup-Factbox on Portugal

May 21 (Reuters) - Factbox on Portugal who are competing in Group G at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:


Colours: Red shirts with horizontal green stripe, white shorts and green socks.

Nickname: Seleccao das Quinas (Team of the five shields)

Previous World Cup appearances: 4: 1966, 1986, 2002, 2006

Best World Cup performance: 3rd place, 1966

Coach: Carlos Queiroz

Most capped player: Luis Figo 127

Top goalscorer: Pauleta 47

Talking points:

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to keep the captaincy even though many fans feel he is not a natural leader like Luis Figo. Pepe's value to the team in qualifying is beyond doubt but he is returning from a lengthy injury and there are doubts over whether Queiroz will use him from the start. Queiroz's own performance will also be in the spotlight after Portugal limped to qualification. He appears to have the backing of the federation chief but a tense relationship with the media and fans could turn sour if Portugal struggle.

Player to watch:

Ronaldo, of course. After a strong debut season with Real Madrid, he is keen to outdo rival Lionel Messi after the Argentine replaced him as world player of the year.
Official Portugal Squad - Ze Casto Dropped From Seleccao

Portugal have announced that Deportivo la Coruna defender Ze Castro is the player to be ommited from the final 23-man squad for the World Cup.

The Seleccao boss Carlos Queiroz had named 24 players for his preliminary squad for the competition with fears that Real Madrid defender Pepe would not be fit for South Africa.

Ze Castro had been linked with the drop since the weekend, and the Portuguese Football Federation has now confirmed the reports on its official website.

A statement issued by the federation read, "The national coach, Carlos Queiroz, wants to thank the professionalism, commitment and sense of responsibility that Ze Castro demonstrated in the days he was part of the national squad's training camp."

Portugal, who have been draw in Group G along with the Ivory Coast, Brazil and North Korea, will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Elephants on June 15th at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

The Seleccao, who are currently up 2-0 against Cameroon, will play one more pre-World Cup friendly, against Mozambique, on June 8th.

Portugal World Cup squad
Goalkeepers -
Eduardo Sporting de Braga
Daniel Fernandes Iraklis
Beto FC Porto
Defenders -
Miguel Valencia
Ricardo Costa Lille
Paulo Ferreira Chelsea
Ricardo Carvalho Chelsea
Bruno Alves FC Porto
Rolando FC Porto
Pepe Real Madrid
Midfielders -
Fabio Coentrao SL Benfica
Duda Malaga
Pedro Mendes Sporting CP
Tiago Juventus
Deco Chelsea
Raul Meireles FC Porto
Miguel Veloso Sporting CP
Simao Sabrosa Atletico Madrid
Danny Zenit
Nani Manchester United
Forwards -
Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid
Liedson Sporting CP
Hugo Almeida Werder Bremen