How Portugal qualified for Euro 2012
The Portuguese did not make things easy on themselves as they were forced to take on Bosnia in a playoff for the right to be a part of Euro 2012.
Portugal was put into a qualifying group with Cyprus, Denmark, Norway and Iceland. Going into the qualifying stage, the Portuguese certainly had to be considered favorites to take the top of the group.
After starting out with one point at home after a very shocking 4-4 draw with Cyprus, the Portuguese made matters worst as they followws that up with a defeat at the hands of Norway in the second match.
As then coach Carlos Queiroz was dealing with some internal issues with the Portuguese FA, Paulo Bento was brought in after the Norway defeat to help Portugal get back on track. With the former Sporting CP head coach facing Denmark in his first match as Portugal's coach, he led his country to a 3-1 victory, and they never looked back.
Paulo Bento helped put together a stellar run for Portugal as they claimed 15 points out of a possible 18, with the last slip up coming in the last match away to Denmark as the hosts defeated Portugal 2-1. That defeat forced Portugal to play Bosnia in a playoff match, which they handedly saw off the Bosnian's to book their place in Poland/Ukraine this summer.
Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo came out of that group as the leading scorers with four and five goals. The former Sporting CP youth prospects will now look to keep things going for the Portuguese this summer in a group that appears to be very difficult.
Who is Portugal's coach?
Paulo Bento, 42 years-old and former Portuguese International took the role of head coach for Portugal in the third match of qualifying. With one point out of a potential six, Portuguese fans were begining to get nervous and doubtful of Portugal's chances of progressing.
While Portugal continued to struggle with consistency, they were still managing to grind out results. Bento has helped bring back some hope that although his team may not play a very attractice style of soccer, they are still capable of winning those close battles.
With the appointing of Paulo Bento also comes a new cycle of ideas and strategies. He was always known to stand by his opinions and he doesn't let anyone else's opinion affect his decision making. His decision to leave out some players from the Euro 2012 squad such as Manuel Fernandes and Quim, has shown he will not be affected by the publics dissapointment.
Who are Portugal's key players?
Cristiano Ronaldo
With yet another incredible club season behind him, the Portuguese forward still has it all to prove at the international level.
At the age of 27, Ronaldo is now Portugal's captain and has already found the back of the net 32 times for his country. Although he continues to score breathtaking goals for Real Madrid, he has yet to lead his country to glory.
Will Ronaldo finally be able to give his country something to cheer about this summer?
Nani
The Manchester United winger had four goals in the qualifying stage, and he will look to add to his international goal tally this summer in Poland/Ukraine. With expectations high for one of the planets highly rated wingers, Nani will have his work cut out for him in Group B.
His blistering pace and ability to cut in and shoot will be a big concern for opposing teams, but will Nani have a Euro 2012 campaign to remember? With rumors surfacing that he could potentially be on his way out of Old Trafford, a good Euro 2012 would only help raise his price tag.
Portugal's Euro 2012 Squad
Goalkeepers: Eduardo, Rui Patricio, Beto
Defenders: Joao Pereira, Fabio Coentrao, Bruno Alves, Rolando, Ricardo Costa, Pepe, Miguel Lopes
Midfielders: Raul Meireles, Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Micael, Hugo Viana, Custodio
Forwards: Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Ricardo Quaresma, Silvestre Varela, Helder Postiga, Nelson Oliveira
Who are Portugal's Euro 2012 group opponents?
The Portuguese will have their work cut out for them as they will have to take on the Netherlands, Germany and a very familiar Denmark. While all these times have some recent history with eachother, Portugal goes into the competition as an underdog, with Germany and the Netherlands taking the spotlight.
While analysts strongly believe that the Dutch and Germans will progress, Ronaldo and company will be out to prove them all wrong. In a group that features four of the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking top ten, this group promises to have some memorable matches.
Portugal's group matches schedule
June 9, 2012: Germany vs. Portugal - Arena Lviv, Lviv
June 13, 2012: Denmark vs. Portugal - Arena Lviv, Lviv
June 17, 2012: Portugal vs. Netherlands - Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
Portugal have fallen 5 places down to 10th in the world. They are now 7th in Europe, a place behind Group B opponents Denmark. With no international silverware, the Portuguese will look to claim their first European Championship this summer and move back up in the rankings.
