Portugal got off to a dismal start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, earning just a point from their first two games as Agostinho Oliveira replaced suspended coach Carlos Queiroz on the bench. Paulo Bento then took over and brought with him some much-needed stability.

The Seleccao went on to win five consecutive matches, but new internal problems caused by Ricardo Carvalho’s early retirement saw them lose the final qualifying match, against Denmark. The defeat sent them to the play-offs, where they met Bosnia and Herzegovina in a repeat of the World Cup 2010 play-offs. After a goalless draw in Zenica, Portugal upped the pace and secured a 6-2 victory to book a place in Poland and Ukraine.

Portugal took part of the first European Championship, in 1960, where they reached the quarter-finals after defeating East Germany. It would take them 24 years to return to the finals, and they did so convincingly, reaching the semi-finals.

However, it would not be before the mid-90’s that Portugal would establish themselves as regulars at European Championships. After reaching the quarter-finals and the semi-finals at Euro 1996 and Euro 2000, respectively, the Seleccao suffered a dramatic defeat at home in the Euro 2004 final against Greece. Four years later, they could not go beyond the quarter-finals as they suffered a 3-2 defeat against eventual runners-up Germany.

COACH - Paulo Bento
Taking control of the Seleccao is only Paulo Bento’s second coaching experience at senior level, after guiding Sporting Lisbon from 2005 to 2009. The 42-year-old, who had 35 international caps during his playing days as a midfielder, enjoyed a dream start in charge of Portugal as he won his first five competitive matches.

Bento’s strong personality has earned him conflicts with Ricardo Carvalho and Bosingwa, both of whom have already retired from international football, and this raised doubts about his capacity to put together a stable group. However, the 6-2 thrashing of Bosnia in the play-offs has restored hope in the fans that he is the right man for the job.

CAPTAIN - Cristiano Ronaldo
The Real Madrid star was given the armband when Carlos Queiroz took over and he has been doing a good job as Seleccao’s skipper, even during the team’s most difficult moments. Arguably approaching peak age for a footballer, Ronaldo is perhaps the most iconic player at these finals, and his speed, technique and powerful right foot have become key elements on Portugal’s left wing.

But if his club performances always draw admiring glances, the same cannot be said about his international form, with many critics of the belief that he does not give his all for Portugal. However, his showing in the second play-off game against Bosnia was evidence that he can show his true colours for the national team and that he will be a player to watch at the Euro 2012 finals.