Five things on Portugal ahead of the European Championship finals where Cristiano Ronaldo's team start in Group F against Austria, Iceland and Hungary.
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Austria
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Iceland
MUST READ: Five things you need to know about Hungary
MUST READ: All you need to know about GROUP A, GROUP B, GROUP C, GROUP D, GROUP E, GROUP F
1) Another Ronaldo record
Cristiano Ronaldo already holds the record for total goals in European Championships history including qualifiers, but is just three off Michel Platini's record of nine in the finals.
Moreover, having struck in 2004, 2008 and 2012, Ronaldo can become the first man to score in four separate Euros.
2) Emerging young talent
Ronaldo has been the star to straddle Portugal's old golden generation of Luis Figo and Rui Costa -- who consistently failed to deliver on their potential at international tournaments -- and a new group of young talent who finished runners-up at last year's under-21 European Championship finals.
William Carvalho of Sporting Lisbon and Monaco's Bernardo Silva earned rave reviews for their performances after a famous 5-0 thrashing of Germany in the semi-finals of that tournament. Eighteen-year-old Renato Sanches starred in the Champions League for Benfica this season and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Manchester United.
3) Promising draw
Even for a top seed Portugal landed a plumb draw along with tournament debutants Iceland, Hungary -- in their first major tournament since 1986 -- and a promising but inexperienced Austria in Group F.
However, presuming Ronaldo can fire his country to the top of the Group, the likelihood of facing Italy or Belgium in the last-16 will prove a much tougher task.
4) Ronaldo dependence
It is understandable that Portugal have become reliant on Ronaldo's goals over the past 12 years since he first made his name on home soil in Euro 2004 to become undoubtedly one of the best two players in the world over the past decade.
However, the lack of back-up to the Real Madrid star when it comes to scoring goals has blighted Portugal's quest for Euros glory as they have just fallen short with an appearance in the final, quarter-finals and semi-finals in the last three editions of the competition.
Indeed, the only other striker called-up by coach Fernando Santos for their warm-up friendlies in March was Lille's Eder, who has managed just one goal in 23 caps for his country.
5) Ageing defence
In contrast to an exciting array of young midfielders, the heart of Portugal's defence is largely unchanged from tournaments gone by.
Real Madrid's Pepe and Fenerbahce's Bruno Alves are both well into their thirties and will be backed-up by 37-year-old veteran Ricardo Carvalho.
Whilst their experience will be vital, a lack of pace at the back could prove deadly to Portugal's chances of reaching the latter stages.
AFP
Mon May 16 2016
Euro 2016: Group F - Portugal
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.