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Euro 2012 Preview: Portugal

Having come so close to glory in 2004, Sports Mole considers Portugal's chances in Poland and the Ukraine.

Always unpredictable, Portugal have the chance to erase the heartbreak of 2004 at this year's European Championships.

A minority of the players that lost the final on home soil to underdogs Greece eight years ago will feature in Poland and Ukraine.

However, they will have to survive the 'Group of Death' if they are to clinch a first major honour on the international stage.

Group: B

Paulo Bento: A combative midfielder in his day, the 42-year-old has given the national team a much-needed freedom under his guidance.

Players to watch:

Cristiano Ronaldo: What is there left to say about Portugal's captain? Powerful, skilful and the ability to change a match single-handedly, the winger will be aching to add the European Championship to his extensive medal collection.

Ricardo Quaresma: Having failed to live up to much of the hype surrounding him, Quaresma has the chance to silence the doubters this summer.

Pepe: The Real Madrid centre-back won't be giving a masterclass on the art of defending, but he is almost guaranteed to indulge in some over-the-top antics.

Previous best: Runners-up 2004

Sports Mole says: Group stages

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