Portugal

Portugal Profile

Team Facts

 

Name: Portugal

Coach: Carlos Queiroz

Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo

Star players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Carvalho and Deco

Team nickname: Selecção das Quinas

FIFA ranking: 5

Portugal is a team that has proved to the world that they can compete internationally and be victorious. Although they have not yet won an international competition but they have been placed second and fourth at the European Championships 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup respectively.

UEFA EURO 2004 was held in Portugal and Selecção das Quinas were the favourites to win the tournament. Unfortunately they did not go all the way. They lost to Greece 1-0 in the final, making it the first time in history that the two teams who played the first match also played the final.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup was a disappointing tournament for the Portuguese. In their semi final match against France, Portugal was constantly booed for Cristiano Ronaldo’s perceived unsportsmanlike conduct in previous matches. They did not give up though. Portugal lost the match 1-0 after Thierry Henry was awarded a penalty for a foul committed by Ricardo Carvalho. The third place play offs against Germany ended in sad light as Germany pressed on to win 3-1. The former captain, Luis Figo, was brought off the bench to try his magic and he succeeded as he set up Portugal’s only goal of the game.

Portugal quickly went from being the favourite to being on the brink of elimination. They only won one of their first five group matches. The second half of qualification matches was better; however, they scored eight goals without conceding any goals.

"Portugal is a candidate for the trophy. We have great players and we made a statement with great pedigree and determination. This is a unique moment," Liédson after eliminating Bosnia-Herzegovina to qualify for South Africa 2010 (according to Fifa.com).

This is not the first time Carlos Queiroz coaches the Portugal national team. The first time was from 1991 to 1993 but he failed to lead them to the EURO 1992 or World Cup 1994. Other than that he was successful as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United as well as coaching Real Madrid for 10 months. He succeeded Luiz Felipe Scolari as national coach is Portugal.

Queiroz is familiar with South Africa and its conditions and this will definitely play in Portugal’s favour. Quieroz has a host of players he can call upon in his time of need. 2008 FIFA World Player, Cristiano Ronaldo, remains a key player for the Portugal team. His involvement in the qualifying stages was a bit subdued as he failed to score in his seven appearances. But he will undoubtedly be one of the players you have to keep your eye on all the time.

Portugal’s back line is one to contend with as well. Pepe, Bruno, Jose Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho add different styles to the game. Pepe and Bruno are very aerial and aggresive in their attack and Bosingwa and Carvalho are hard working and calm. The midfield always shines with the likes of Deco and Simao.

While in Nelson Mandela Bay for the game between Portugal and Côte d’Ivoire on 15 June, take the time to indulge in the pleasure of being in a place that combines big city living with small town values:

 

See the sun set on a veld covered with flowers and wild plants, watch wild animals run free and experience the thrill of watching a shark pass your boat; all this can be done in the malaria free area of Nelson Mandela Bay. The Addo Elephant National Park, an hour’s drive from the city centre, caters for all animal lovers. Enjoy the Big 7, consisting of elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark, in their natural habitat in an open vehicle or guided walk.

 

If marine life fascinates you, then diving in Nelson Mandela Bay is a must. Beautiful reefs, interesting shipwrecks from years gone by, colourful soft coral species and the warm water of Algoa Bay will keep you in the water for hours. Surfing, wind surfing, jet skiing and sailing can also be enjoyed in the Bay.

 

A delicious steak covered in a creamy mushroom sauce, chicken and prawn curry, an espetada done in a red wine sauce, sushi, or a decadent piece of double chocolate cake; will satisfy the fussiest palate. Nelson Mandela Bay has the highest capita ratio of restaurants per population in South Africa and with all that variety; everyone will definitely find something to suite their taste.

 

A vibrant array of night clubs to dance the night away, pubs where you can enjoy a beer and a game of pool, and award-winning cocktail bars that serve anything from a banana split martini to bubblegum bazooka; make Nelson Mandela Bay a popular party destination.

 

For the art lover, there are many theatre shows, museums, and art galleries in and around the Bay. Cinemas that show both the new and the old invite all for time to escape to a world that fulfills all your dreams.

 

For more information on the above activities or more activities on offer in Nelson Mandela Bay contact Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism on +27 (0) 41 582 2575 or email info@nmbt.co.za.