Great expectations stir Portugal

Marco Caneira believes that, if Portugal can overcome Armenia and Finland to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008™, they will immediately turn their attentions to winning the trophy next summer.

Great expectations
Second-placed Portugal need four points from their remaining two Group A games to make sure of qualifying, and according to the Valencia CF defender, "expectations are always high" around the national team. "The first goal is to reach the finals," Caneira said. "We have two decisive matches and I'm looking forward to winning them both. Once we've done that, I think we all have to fight for that trophy in Austria and Switzerland." Armenia visit Leiria on Saturday before Finland provide the opposition in Porto on 21 November.

Mr Versatile
The 28-year-old former Sporting Clube de Portugal player can operate anywhere across the back line – which is helpful to coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in the absence of Ricardo Carvalho, Luis Miguel and Paulo Ferreira. "Unfortunately we are without some players in defence but I'm sure the replacements will give everything," continued Caneira. "We have quality players at the back and I'm sure they'll give their maximum to win the games."

More of Makukula
At the other end of the field, CS Marítimo striker Ariza Makukula will be hoping for more of the same after crowning his debut with a goal in last month's 2-1 victory in Kazakhstan. "It is tremendous to be here again," the 26-year-old said. "We have two crucial matches and I am confident of success. With the supporters' help we will achieve qualification. I'm not even thinking about whether I play or not – just to be here is enough for me."