Portugal are one of football’s enigmas. Each time a major tournament comes around their squad is full of talented experienced players and as such, they are usually regarded as one of the favorites to win. Euro 2008 is no different. Boasting a team line up that includes Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Deco , Portugal are regarded as a major player in this summer’s tournament and yet the spectre of failure hangs over this team.

Four years ago, the European championships were held in Portugal and the host nation fell short at the last hurdle. Instead the unfashionable Greece surprisingly defeated them 1-0.

Now in 2008, Portugal are again strongly backed. Perhaps their greatest strength is the continuity that has been maintained throughout the squad during the last 5 years. Brazilian coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari has been in charge of the Portuguese national team since 2003 and has created a strong bond between him and the players. 

Moreover, the vast majority of players included in Euro 2008 squad have gained considerable experience, playing together at Euro 2004 and the World Cup in Germany in 2006. With the exception of Maniche who has struggled at Inter Milan this season, the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Miguel, Nuno Gomes, Deco and Helder Postiga are all expected to feature during Euro 2008, just as they have done in the last two major tournaments.

Additionally, the likes of Nani, Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho have broken through in the last year or so to add some youthful talent to the squad. Overall the Portuguese team is in very good shape and should be strong contends to win Euro 2008.  In Cristiano Ronaldo they possess perhaps the best player in the world based on current form. Fresh from his recent Champions League victory in which he scored his forty-second goal of an amazing season, Ronaldo is sure to be one of the key performers in this summer’s Euro 2008.