Portugal
Tactics
Luiz Felipe Scolari has always sworn by 4-2-3-1 and is not about to change. Portugal were criticised for being predictable during the qualifiers, but can you blame the coach for sticking to a tactical scheme that brought so much success at Euro 2004 and the last World Cup?
Deco concerns
The success of this formation in June will hinge on two factors: the performance of the attacking midfielder, Deco, and the efficiency of the striker. The former has shown stuttering form for Barcelona this season, and Scolari knows that without his midfield maestro at his best, Portugal will struggle to create scoring chances.
The striker position has been a problem for a long time. Even the almighty Pauleta failed to impress at major finals, and now, with him gone, the pickings are slim – Hugo Almeida and Makukula are untested, and Nuno Gomes is erratic.
Scolari has tried several defensive midfield partnerships. Miguel Veloso and Maniche should get the nod, but Petit and Fernando Meira are pushing hard for starting places.
Ronaldo left, right, havoc!
On the wings, Cristiano Ronaldo will be given the freedom to roam and create havoc on the left or right, exchanging positions with his opposite number – either Ricardo Quaresma or Simao. Nani has also come into contention.
The defence has plenty of talent and experience. Miguel, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe and Paulo Ferreira are favourites to start, with Bruno Alves and Caneira valuable options for centre-half and left-back respectively.
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