Portugal

By Jacob Gaynor

Team: Portugal

Nickname: A Seleção das Quinas (Selection of the Quinas; The Navigators)

World Cup appearances: 6 (Finished third in 1966)

World ranking: 4

Coach: Fernando Santos

Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Arguably the greatest player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo will look to claim the one trophy that has eluded him in his illustrious career when he captains Portugal in Russia.

With 149 international caps for Portugal and 81 Goals, all eyes will be on the Real Madrid star as he looks to guide his country to a maiden World Cup triumph in what could potentially be the 33-year-old’s last international tournament.

NowUC Predictor:
The reigning European Champions are well favoured to claim a maiden World Cup title in Russia. Portugal proved at the European Championships in 2016 they are capable of beating anyone and will look to replicate their recent success.

Having automatically qualified ahead of Switzerland on goal difference, Portugal were placed into Group B alongside Spain, Iran and Morocco.

Opening their World Cup campaign in a showdown with rivals Spain, the world will be watching as this clash could well set the tone for both countries’ World Cup aspirations. Expect Ronaldo’s men to feature heavily into the tournament.