Is Portugal primed for a major upset and an exit visa right out of Euro 2008? The team hosts Finland today. A tie gets them in behind Poland. A loss and a Serbia loss by a bunch to Poland and Finland has a puncher's chance of getting in.
Finland, however, cannot score goals despite Jari Litmanen and Sami Hyypiä prominent on the field for the Finns. Finland tied Portugal 1-1 in their first meeting during qualification. Most recently, the Finns beat Azerbaijan 2-1 after three straight 0-0 ties.
Portugal, meanwhile, has won three straight after a rough patch of draws, a loss to Poland and the suspension of coach Luis Filipe Scolari after taking a punch at a Serbian player during a 1-1 tie in July.
Portugal's success has been in spite of a rash of injuries, especially on the back line, to Ricardo Carvalho, Miguel and Paolo Ferreira.
Finland coach Roy Hodgson told Goal.com:
"We will try to defend well and score when we have a chance. I know this sounds dull but that's the best answer I have. I am very confident that we are capable of fighting for a win and will not be nervous. The task is tough but I believe in my team. They are up to it."
Illustration: http://www.sergeicartoons.com/
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