PORTUGAL Best finals record: Semi-finals 1984 Qualification record: Best second-placed team

Rui Costa

Coach: Humberto Coelho

Squad: Pedro Espinha, Vitor Baia, Joaquim Silva Quim, Fernando Couto, Dimas, Secretario, Jorge Costa, Sergio Conceicao, Paulo Sousa, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Paulo Bento, Joao Pinto, Ricardo Sa Pinto, Abel Xavier, Pauleta, Nuno Gomes, Francisco Costa, Beto, Vidigal, Rui Jorge, Nuno Capucho.

Prospects

The best of the runners-up, they qualified behind Romania from group seven.

Like their equally-impressive Iberian neighbours Spain, they have an exciting squad, packed with talent, but have consistently flattered to deceive in the past.

After cruising through their qualifying group at Euro 96, they tamely went out to a memorable lob from the Czech Republic's Karel Poborsky.

It was typical of a side who so often have let their fans down after building up their hopes.

Seven wins, two draws and a single defeat at the hands of Romania tallied up to an impressive campaign, and one which deserved to claim the top spot in almost any other group.

Humberto Coelho's side amassed 32 goals in 10 games, conceding just four in the process. Only the Spaniards scored more.

Their strength lies in midfield with a line-up to make almost any other national coach green with envy.

Rui Costa, Luis Figo and Paulo Sousa have the creativity required at this level to unlock any defence, whilst Portuguese record goalscorer Joao Pinto will cause havoc in opposition back-lines.

The one question mark hanging over the side is whether or not Coelho has assembled a defence strong enough to remain watertight at this level.

Fernando Couto, Dimas and Secretario are all skilful players, but as is typical of Portuguese heritage, they all see themselves as attackers. And in Vitor Baia, they have the traditional continental goalkeeper - one who refuses to catch the ball.

The more you think about it, the more this side reminds you of Brazil.

Skill pouring out of every squad member, an exciting, attacking brand of play - and an Achilles heel at the back.

They come into these finals as one of the strongest outfits on paper, but that doesn't win tournaments.

Before the group stage draw, one would have fancied them to make it to the last eight. But, with England, Germany and Romania in their group, the job has been made a much harder task.

This could well be the limit for Coelho's side. But, should they qualify from their group, they are capable of reaching the last four.