Portugal are starting out on a new era as the old stalwarts have all decided to leap into retirement. Coach Luiz Filepe Scolari has a young but dynamic squad with the Manchester United and best player in the world Cristiano Ronaldo holding the key for them.
Portugal defender Pepe is one highly optimistic player who is confident that they can reach the final. The Real Madrid defender has been one of the stars of the side that won the Spanish league for the second time in a row in the 2007-2008 season and said:
“The reception demonstrated the support of every Portuguese. They trust our work and the group Portugal have. We are defending a country and we have a lot of responsibility.
“We have to separate yesterday’s euphoria from responsibility. I am preparing myself so that it does not influence me. Yesterday, Portugal’s strength was shown, despite being a small country.
“We, Portuguese, make this country very big. Me and my team-mates will do our best to go as far as possible. Portugal have conditions to reach the final, we have good players and a good group.”
Portugal reached the final of Euro 2004 in his home country and reached the semi-finals of the 2006 Germany World Cup. Can they go and win their firs ever major international competition?