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Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame
Are you serious Locke? That is just a whacky rebuttal in itself. Portugal has not last at all in it's last 15 international games (3 ties), made it to the 2004 Finals against Greece, 2000 Euro semi-finals, 2008 Euro quarter finals, qualified in the 2000 World Cup, came in 4th at the 2006 World Cup, and are currently out-performing juggernaut Brazil. All of their players are Premier talent playing in the best leagues in Europe, and are currently ranked #3 in the world.And coming second in your group doesn't make you a powerhouse? Most European teams could only hope to come in second in qualifying tournaments. Portugal has a serious shot at winning this 2010 World Cup despite finishing "second" in their group.I'm sorry, but what an incredibly bizarre assessment you've made.
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Portugal has not been good for 4 years. Their qualifying campaign for the World Cup was a disaster.
They're outperforming 'Juggernaut' Brazil? Really? Thats strange because I see 6 points beside Brazil and 4 beside Portugal in the standings. Goals against Korea notwithstanding.
They have talent, I'm not disputing that, their players are all playing in major leagues for big clubs, theres no argument there from me. But as a national side for the last 4 years they have been playing poorly, and they have been exhibiting this poor form against substandard teams.
Coming in second in a group that features Denmark, Sweden, Albania, Hungary and Malta does mean that Portugal is not a 'Powerhouse' by most definitions.
Beating Sweden by 1 point to even get a playoff spot is also pretty telling when your side drops points to Albania, and fails to get results against Sweden and Denmark. Particularly while Portugal is ranked 3rd against some much weaker and lower ranked competition. If you want to really rate the rankings, which I dont particularly, bu there you go.
Your exact same argument could be applied to France, but you wont get me saying that they are a European power. They may have been, they arent now. Thats the thing about Soccer, tournaments only happen every 4 years so getting the same players twice even is pretty tough.