If their performance in qualifying is anything to go by then Portugal must rank as credible contenders at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ finals. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side won nine of their 12 matches, finishing seven points clear of their closest rivals Slovakia, and scoring more goals than any other team in Europe.

If the statistic of 35 goals scored and just five conceded was impressive, then so too was the contribution of striker Pauleta whose eleven goals not only put him at the top of the continental scorers’ chart but also took him past the legendary Eusebio’s record of 41 for his country.

Ironically, Portugal’s toughest matches came against the minnows of Liechtenstein. They surrendered a two-goal lead in an embarrassing 2-2 draw in Vaduz in October 2004 and 12 months later needed an 85th minute strike from Nuno Gomes to secure a 2-1 win in Aveiro. The draw in Liechtenstein did not dent their confidence too much, however, as within four days they went and routed Russia 7-1 in Lisbon in what was undoubtedly the finest display of their Group 3 campaign.

Germany 2006 will be the fourth FIFA World Cup finals campaign in their history and Portuguese fans are still waiting for their side to match the exploits of Eusebio and company on their debut appearance in 1966, where they reached the semi-finals in England. The emergence in the early 90s of a golden generation of players led by Luis Figo and Rui Costa raised hopes and in 2000 Portugal were UEFA European Championship semi-finalists.

After a disappointing first-round exit at Korea/Japan 2002, Brazil’s FIFA World Cup-winning coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, took the reins and led the Seleção to the final of the 2004 European Championship on home soil. Although they lost out to Greece, they showed no after-effects in FIFA World Cup qualifying and Scolari’s experience with Brazil is bound to benefit his charges in Germany.

The talismanic Figo is back in the squad, returning 12 months after withdrawing from international football in July 2004, but arguably a greater threat to opponents these days comes from the quick feet of another winger, Cristiano Ronaldo. Midfielder Deco is another player with plenty of tricks while in attack Pauleta’s record speaks for itself. Portugal also have quality in a defence led by the excellent Ricardo Carvalho.