Loosely translated from O Jogo:

With Cristiano Ronaldo and the attributes that are present of a real contender, Portugal can reach the final of Euro 2008. So says Luis Figo, the most capped Portugal player of all time and the biggest symbol of the "Goldern Generation".

"With humility and great determination and of course, some luck, which is always necessary we can get to the final. We have players of international class that play in the major European leagues at top clubs, and we are counting on that guy who, most likely, will be bestowed as the best player in the world this year. With all these ingredients we have to be optimistic", Figo said, adding further that this tournament represents the perfect stage for Ronaldo to underline his "best player in the world" credentials.

As an obstacle to this optimism Figo points out his favourites as "Italy, France and Germany". "We're right after them" in terms of favourites.

"It's important not to forget that more and more, the 'surprise' factor is a bigger part of football" but he believes Portugal have the "conditions to win the group". Figo also believes the squad overhaul does not imply there is a crisis within the squad: "Sincerely, I don't think there's a lack of leadership in the squad...you just have to mention Ricardo Carvalho"

I believe Portugal will lost to Germany in the semi-final, and lose the 3rd place play-off.

LOL that's my prediction also. I think we'll get to the semis only if we top our group. I think we can beat Germany if our best players turn up but I have big doubts they will.

Are you sure there is a 3rd place playoff?

Don't think there is actually. Thought that was only a World Cup thing

No mention of Spain, spoken like a true Portuguese

Portugal will never win anything, didn't have the bottle during Figo's days, don't have it now either.

I'm sure Portugal will be playing the sexiest football once again. They're definitely the best team to watch.

you just never know they were finalists @home last Euro when Greece knocked them 2-1, remember.
i wouldn't even underestimate Holland

Not sure if this is a wind-up or not, but I actually think complacency was their problem, not bottle. They won a knife-edge group game against Spain in Euro2004 to qualify despite a disaster first result. They beat a very good dutch team in what was one of the best games in the tournament and had the balls to beat a more physical England team and to be frank, passed them off the park...problem was the adulation they got because they got to their first final at home! They were already heroes and played that final as such...

And then lost a tight final against France to a soft penalty, a team who were arguably superior on paper. A gilt-edged chance from Figo would have squared it up

Bottle was not in question with the likes of Figo and Costinha. However, bottle may well come into play with this current crop...it's Quaresma's first tournament and there are question marks over his big-game temperament. Ronaldo's first tournament as Figo's successor, the lynchpin. How will he do? Then there's the likely inclusion of Moutinho in midfield instead of Maniche....