Why Portugal won't win (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Why Portugal won't win

2:50pm Tuesday 17th June 2008

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Why condemn a team which includes the world's best player before they’ve even had a kick? Well there's good reason.

It's not because of any bitterness, it's not as though England were robbed by them in two recent quarter-finals, of course not It wouldn't be because of that cheeky wink by the aforementioned decent player, it's not like that wound me up at all.

And it's certainly not because my sister's ex-Portuguese boyfriend ran off down the street clutching the television set when they split up; no that was quite funny.

It's because they don't have a decent centre forward.

Helder Postiga showed us his ineptness during his year at Spurs in 2003/4, since then he has played for four clubs, two on loan and never rattled in many goals.

He averages around one goal every three games but I'd write him off against strong opposition.

He is the same Postiga who scored past England in the last European Championships, but as I said against strong opposition.

Nuno Gomes is a bit part player and has drifted during his career. He only managed three goals in qualifying and he isn’t strong enough to play as a lone frontman.

The unknown quantity is Hugo Almeida, 24, who has just reached double figures, netting 11, in a league season for the first time in his career.

There are other reasons too. Ronaldo might self-combust if anyone so much as tickles his arm as he launches into a trademark run, or he could end up injured from one of his tumbles leading to one too many friction burns to his knees.

For all the playful loathing, Portugal will pout and no doubt produce moments of brilliance, but without that star striker their name's not on the trophy.

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