Portugal have never won either the World Cup or the European Championships, but they have enjoyed some promising showings during recent tournaments.

In the last four European Championships Portugal have reached the final, the semi-finals and the last eight twice, while in the 2006 World Cup they finished fourth.

The Iberian nation are not considered among the leading favourites for glory in South Africa, especially as they have been drawn in the so-called 'group of death' along with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea, but Socrates has faith in his players.

"Portugal, if luck is with them, could be world champions," he said.

"These players are among the best in the world and they can take on any opponent."