Soccer is a team game and the championship sides are those that feature a plethora of solid players that complement and thrive with one another. Teams that revolve around one superstar generally falter in the latter stages unless the top star can carry his side on his back. Portugal is expecting that kind of effort in this World Cup. But is the supporting cast good enough for a deep run?
History
Portugal's performance in the big tournament has never been particularly great. The team did not qualify for the tournaments dating from 1930 to 1962; its first ever appearance came in 1966 when it finished third with five wins and one loss. Then the nation experienced another dark period with no World Cup appearances from 1970 through 1982. The team qualified in 1986, but managed only one win and two losses and was eliminated in the group stage. Another three World Cups passed without Portugal's participation until the side finally qualified as a top favorite in 2002. But alas, Portugal continued to falter in the tournament with a shocking 3-2 loss against the United States in the opening game and a loss to South Korea in the crucial final group game. In 2006, the team returned with a vengeance and finished fourth in the tournament but in 2010 the Portuguese were victims to Spain in the round of 16.
How did they get here?
Portugal was actually placed in a rather easy group Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. Many expected Portugal to finish atop the group but the side finished in second place with six wins, three draws and one loss; the lone defeat came against Russia but the draws were against Israel and Northern Ireland; both matches against Israel ended in draw while the one against Northern Ireland was in Portugal.
In the playoff, the team faced Sweden and won 4-2 on aggregate; all four goals were by Cristiano Ronaldo. Helder Postiga finished with six goals in the first round while Ronaldo and Bruno Alves each had four; however Ronaldo finished with eight overall in qualifying.
Top Stars
Ronaldo's status as the team's superstar is unquestionable. He is the national team's all-time leading scorer with 49 tallies and is the reigning Ballon d'Or winner. If someone is going to carry this team to glory, it will be him.
But the real question revolves around his supporting cast. That is a bigger issue altogether. Postiga is inconsistent up top. The midfield's top stars include Joao Moutinho, Miguel Veloso, Silvestre Varela and Raul Meireles; none of them, aside from Moutinho, are completely reliable. On defense Pepe and Fabio Coentrao are solid, but none of the others really have much to offer.
The other major player that could make an impact is Nani; however his lack of playing time for Manchester United might have damaged his confidence and effectiveness. It will be interesting to see if Bruma gets any time in this tournament as he is expected to be the future superstar of the team.
Can they get out of the group stage?
Portugal has a tough task in facing Germany, Ghana and the United States but the team should be a favorite to get out of the group as the second place side. Ronaldo is a superstar that can take down a weak American defense and Portugal's defense should stifle a quick Ghana side. Second place is to be expected.
Can they win it all?
The team is likely to face Russia or Belgium in the round of 16 depending on which team finishes first in Group H. These are beatable teams but the real challenge would come in the quarterfinals where Portugal is likely to face Argentina. If Ronaldo can overcome rival Lionel Messi then the sky is the limit. However, Portugal will probably end its tournament in the quarterfinals.
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