If you call yourself a football fan, surely you've heard of one of football’s shining lights: Cristiano Ronaldo. The sheer brilliance of the man has attracted Europe's usual suspects, who are rumored to be preparing all sorts of lucrative offers. One thing is certain however, and that’s the fact that if Portugal is to have any chance of winning the tournament (which somehow denied them four years ago) Ronaldo must be at his best.
It was in Euro 2004 that the footballing world first got to see Ronaldo compete internationally. Although a phenomenal dribbler, he was not yet the player you see today. He didn't focus as much on bringing other people into the game, and was perhaps still somewhat of a showpony.
Still, he managed to steal the show, even from teammates Simao, Rui Costa, and the iconic Luis Figo—whom Ronaldo will surely succeed as the finest Portuguese footballer of his generation. He will be integral in Austria and Switzerland.
Forever in Ronaldo's shadow, no matter how well he performs, is Ricardo Quaresma. Currently plying his trade with Porto, after an unsuccessful and premature spell with Barcelona, Quaresma has been another of Portugal’s prodigies.
It was a minor shock that he was left out of Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad for the 2006 World Cup. But instead of sulking, he put his head down and led Porto to another Liga title. If he manages to sustain his match winning form, the two Portuguese wingers may just be tournament winners for perennially underachieving clubs.
With a decent goalkeeper, an accomplished defense, and a talented midfield, the only weakness Portugal seems to have is the lack of a talented striker.
Pauleta has retired (although he failed to make any real impact in his last two tournaments) and Nuno Gomes is no longer in his youth. Hugo Almeida failed to live up to the hype and Helder Postiga has just been loaned out by his club Porto.
A real goalscorer is needed and Portugal just cannot muster one. So when the time comes, a real team effort will be required if victory is to remain sight.
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