Portugal were runners-up in the 2004 UEFA Euro Championship and semi-finalists in the 1984, 2000 and 2012 tournaments. After reaching the semis of the 2012 tournament, they will now hope to move a step further this year in France by qualifying for the finals, and possibly lifting the coveted title. Portugal have played 28 games, won 15, drawn five and lost eight in the European Championship since their participation back in 1984. Coincidentally, France were the hosts of the Euro 1984, and were the side that bundled Portugal out of the tournament after beating them 3-2 in extra time in a thrilling semi-final clash. Portugal will now head to France once again breathing fire, hoping to revenge the 1984 loss and probably lift the title on the soil of their foes.
Recent form
Portugal in 2015: Played 8, Won 6, lost 2
Portugal in 2016: Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1
The highlight of their 2015 season was the 1-0 loss to Euro 2015 hosts France at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. In the latest FIFA world rankings, Portugal sit at the eighth position. On the other hand, they sit at the fifth spot in the latest UEFA rankings.
Manager’s profile
Fernando Santos (below) is the head coach of the Portugal national football team. The 61-year-old, who is also a retired Portuguese footballer, was a former national team coach of Greece.
He steered Greece to the knockout stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil for their first time ever. He was then appointed the new manager of Portugal after Paulo Bento’s sacking. Santos won his first game against Denmark, and steered his side to Euro 2016 qualification. Since taking charge of Portugal, he has overseen 16 matches, won 11, drawn none and lost five. As he guides his home country, he will be banking on his experience in the Euro 2012 while in charge of Greece, when he helped them reach the last-eight stage.
However, unlike Greece, Portugal boasts of a wide range of superstars, who could make it easier for the Portuguese to pull a surprise in France by winning the coveted title.
Players to watch
Cristiano Ronaldo: The 31-year-old needs no introduction in the world of football. Widely seen as one of the greatest footballers of the 21st century, CR7 is the football image of Portugal. He made his debut for his country in 2003 and has since scored 56 goals in 125 appearances, a run that has made him Portugal's all-time top goal scorer, and the country's first footballer to score over 50 goals for the national team. He is often used as an example of a complete footballer. He is deadly on set pieces, on air, dribbling, and has an eye for the goal. .jpg)
Renato Sanches: The Bayern Munich sensation has made two appearances for Portugal's senior team. He is fast with the ball , and plays as an offensive midfielder or winger. He is also well-known for his hard shots on target and widely considered as one of the most promising youngsters in modern football.
Luis Nani: The Fenerbahce winger is fast along the wings and dangerous with set pieces. He made his first appearance for Portugal back in 2006, and has since scored 17 goals in 94 appearances for his country..jpg)
UEFA Euro 2016 broadcasters in Portugal
National broadcaster RTP share the Euro 2016 broadcasting rights with Sport TV in Portugal. RTP will cover the continental tournament in 4K (Ultra HD) via a new channel that will be distributed by operators NOS, Vodafone Portugal and Meo (Portugal Telecom). RTP will air 24 matches in total, including the Portuguese national team’s games, whereas pay-TV broadcaster Sport TV will show the 27 others.
Go to Portugal's page for the team's full UEFA Euro 2016 fixtures and global online and TV listings.
Team roster
Here is Portugal's official 23-man squad for Euro 2016:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
