Goose choped by Russia already, and Russia haven't really qualified yet. Need to playoff. If Goose and Russia get France or Portugal playoff as opponents, Russia can faint and Goose can fly. N. Korea confirmed qualify already. One-up.
World Cup Debate: Carlos Queiroz's Stubbornness May Cost Portugal South Africa Spot
The time has finally come for the Portuguese fans to praise the Lord and blow out their altar candles, for their national team have actually made it past the group stage on the very last playing day.
It was actually one of the easiest groups Portugal could have asked for, with their seed guaranteeing they would avoid meeting any of Europe's strongest nations on paper.
But that did little in the way of helping the Euro 2004 runners-up in their quest for a spot at the 2010 World Cup, despite it looking a near certainty when the group draw was made.
Under Carlos Queiroz, Portugal have been a total mess. In little over a year, he has called up almost 40 players and used several different tactical approaches, which resulted in his side dropping a number of crucial points along the way. In fact, Portugal seem to have only found their way once Liedson came in, the Brazilian-born striker who helped Queiroz figure out the right tactics he needs to deploy.
After a lengthy period filled with disappointing results, Portugal finally picked themselves up and won their last three qualifying encounters, but questions remain over whether they have actually improved, considering these are modest European outfits.
Portugla failed to defeat Sweden and Denmark, the two sides that were regarded as the only teams that could challenge them for top spot. In fact, their last match with a world-class nation ended in an embarrassing 6-2 defeat at Brazil.
The Portuguese people still have many doubts over Queiroz's real ability to guide the national side. He is regarded as a good coach for the young squads, whom he has won two Football World Youth Championships with, but his methods with the senior squad have raised more questions than answers.
Queiroz's selection stubbornness has also been a hot topic, with the coach insisting on using out-of-form players, such as Raul Meireles and Deco, or players in positions they are not familiar with - for example Pepe as a defensive midfielder, Duda as a left-back, central midfielders almost as wingers and wingers as strikers.
The time for testing is now over.
Portugal will now meet one of Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Ireland or Ukraine for a place in the 2010 World Cup. At this point, it is unknown whether or not Queiroz will stick to his own plans or finally start to make some sense in his squad selections. But one thing is for sure; regardless of whom Portugal meet in the play-offs, it does not seem like a good time for their fans to throw away their candles just yet.
Luís Mira, Goal.com
