Meet the quarter-final opposition: Portugal
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
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Portugal have not hit top gear but they have the knack of doing just enough – and with Cristiano Ronaldo leading an impressive attack you underestimate them at your peril.
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Nickname: Selecção das Quinas (Team of Shields)
Story so far: Portugal were held by new boys Iceland in what was deemed a shock on matchday one; that result doesn't look too bad now. Following a nervy Group F campaign Fernando Santos's men sneaked through as one of the best third-place sides, before a resilient last-16 display against Croatia and a late, late winner sealed progress.
Route to last eight: 1-1 Iceland, 0-0 Austria, 3-3 Hungary, 1-0 Croatia
Star performer: Cristiano Ronaldo. While not firing on all cylinders during the first two games, he came to life and dragged his team through as he created history with a brace against Hungary. The captain has also bagged two assists and is one goal short of Michel Platini's all-time EURO finals record of nine.
Best moment: Ricardo Quaresma's late clincher against Croatia last Saturday. A stunning breakaway led by fellow substitute Renato Sanches culminated in the Beşiktaş winger nodding in the solitary, 117th-minute goal from close range to spark pandemonium.
Strengths: With Ronaldo, Nani and company, opportunities are plentiful and goals should be too. Portugal's obvious powers lie in attack.
Weaknesses: The final ball has been lacking at times but the bigger problems have been at the back, specifically marking at set pieces, which occasionally has left a lot to be desired. They were lucky to get away with it last time out.
Quarter-final prediction: Having ousted tournament dark horses Croatia, Portugal now have a wonderful chance of going all the way. It will be another tense game against Poland – I wouldn't be surprised if it went to penalties.
What are they singing? As saudades que eu já tinha. Da minha alegre casinha. Tão modesta quanto eu (The longing that I had, for my cheerful house, as modest as I am). A minha casinha by local band Xutos e Pontapés is a revamped version of a traditional Portuguese song that evokes the protagonist's humble abode which, though nothing special, is theirs nonetheless and they love and miss it.
Celebrity fans: Mariza (fado singer), Joaquim de Almeida (actor), Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (President)
Tell us something we didn't know: Ronaldo and Quaresma are best buds. They came through the Sporting academy together, have affectionate nicknames for each other, and often come out to training and warm-ups in tandem.