GROUP D / PORTUGAL

*--* World Cup record: Played 9 (6-3-0); goals for: 19; goals against: 12 Best finish: Third in 1966 1998 showing: Did not qualify Coach: Antonio Oliveira. A former midfielder for Portugal who is in his second spell in charge of the national team, having quit after leading Portugal to the quarterfinals of the European Championship in 1996 Players to watch: Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Pedro Pauleta In brief: The twin spurs prodding the Portuguese are their controversial loss to eventual champion France in the semifinals of the European Championship in 2000 and the fact that they will host that same tournament in 2004. It is also the last chance for this generation of players to make an impact at a World Cup Quick quote: “Even if we do not win the World Cup, there is a belief among the squad that we can go a long way.”--Figo Forecast: Portugal will finish first in the group and then beat Croatia or Mexico to reach the quarterfinals. After that, it’s up to Figo

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