Portugal
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz is the current Head Coach of Portugal. He is known as a world class coach and prior to his appointment with Portugal he enjoyed two successful spells as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and also a less successful spell as manager of Real Madrid.World Cup 2010 Qualifying:
Despite having Cristiano Ronaldo, the reigning World Player of the Year, in their ranks, Portugal made hard work of qualifying. They were languishing in fourth in Group One at one stage before a late rally earned them second and a play-off berth. Without the injured Ronaldo they secured a place in South Africa thanks to two hard-fought 1-0 victories over Bosnia-Hercegovina. Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said "Bosnia are a good team but Portugal are too strong for them because we have an explosive combination of confidence, desire and determination. I must congratulate my team for a spirited performance, while Bosnia will have gained respect after getting this far and proving to be stiff opponents."Past World Cup Performance:
It's a surprise to learn that South Africa 2010 will only be Portugal's 4th appearance at the World Cup Finals. Their best performances to date came in 1966 where Eusebio inspired them to a semi final appearance before two goals from Bobby Charlton sent England to the final following a 2-1 victory. Portugal repeated their semi final appearance in Germany 2006 under the management of "Big" Phil Scolari where they lost 1-0 to France following a Zinedine Zidane penalty in the 33rd minute. In the previous round, Portugal got the better of England after a penalty shoot out and plenty of controversy. Wayne Rooney was sent off for England in the 62nd minute after an apparent stamp on Ricardo Carvalho. The incident occurred right in front of Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo, who was urged on by the Portugal players - including Rooney's then Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo who famously was caught on camera "winking" at the Portuguese bench after the dismissal! Portugal are currently ranked 6th in the world and despite a poor qualification performance they will be hopeful of getting past Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea. It looks like their match against the Ivory Coast on June 15th will be the key game and a victory will likely see Ronaldo and co progress into the knockout stages!Portugal - Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid
Simao Sabrosa - Athletico Madrid
Nani - Manchester United
Joao Moutinho - Sporting Lisbon
Ricardo Carvalho - Chelsea
