DHAKA: Though not exactly a game of glorious uncertainty like cricket, yet soccer at world cup stage can often see upsets leading to favorites even failing to move into knock out stage. 

In FIFA 2014 beyond the favorites, THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME will be those teams who cannot be ignored or discounted in a world cup tournament. Taking advantage of any favorites taking time to peak any of these teams may deliver shocks causing the balance tilting unfavorably for any or two of the top favorites. 

Portugal, Italy, England and Belgium are such teams who can challenge the best of the best on their day. But none of these teams may have depth of talent to perform consistently to go beyond semifinal stage at best.

Portugal is often treated as Brazil of Europe for their samba brand of football. But being grouped with Germany, USA and Ghana it will have to play exceptionally well to move up in the group of 16 along with favorite Germany. 

They possess subtle flair and grace to get past league stage but at knock out they cannot endure the stronger challenges. Portugal had to scrap through play off stages in both Euro 2012 and World Cup 2014. Portugal had to hurdle over and across Swedish challenges in two legs to qualify for Brazil event. 

FIFA World Cup Player of the Year Christano Ronaldo won the personal battle against another super star Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden. The success of Portugal will largely depend on Ronaldo and his foot soldiers. Many of the players would be appearing in the second successive world cup while for Ronaldo will be the third.

Traditionally though a slow starter in major tournaments yet Portugal currently is fourth in FIFA ranking. Despite of possessing some exciting talents over the last 12 years Portugal unfortunately could not win any world tournament over this period. The have to play exceptionally well all the way to have a crack at Jules Rimet Trophy. However they will enjoy tremendous support in Brazil having many of the cousins there. Both Brazil and Portugal speak the same language.

And one does not need any introduction of Ronaldo. He started rocking the world since his days with Red Devils –Manchester United. Unlike Messy, Ronaldo has already silenced few critics of replicating his smashing form for country. 

But question arises often whether he has enough quality support with him to endure the rigor of World Cup. Though upfront Helder Postiga scored 6 goals in qualifying matches yet he failed to prove as a reliable marksman. Neither Hugo Almeida can score regularly. 

If Ronaldo fails to find spaces or defense splitting passes from the midfield he will have to rely mostly on his masterly individual skill and strength. But luckily Portugal has a very strong and quality midfield which will drive the team consistently forward winning many from opponents through breaking their Rhyme. 

Miguel Veloso, Joao Mortnho and Raul Merilese will contest very strongly with all teams for possessions. Rui Patricio of Sporting Lisbon is impregnable under the bar. Pepe in deep defense will be hard nut to crack. If Fabio Coentrao, Nany, Dany and Silvester Varela are picked in the world cup squad, Portugal may improve their performance of 2010.

Paulo Bento as coach will have his work cut out to take the team into knock out round first and then plan for further progress. But unfortunately Portugal does not have enough reserve strength. Portugal’s best finish in world Cup ever was in 1966 in England when another all-time great national icon Eusebio stunned the world with his goal scoring skills. 

In 2006 in Germany they finished fourth. Nobody will be surprised if Christiano Ronaldo can play like Maradona like one man army to win the cup if he gets the required support of his comrades.

(To be continued)

BDST: 0929 HRS, MAY 7, 2014