Group D

Portugal

This marks Portugal's third appearance at the World Cup. They are eager to atone for their disastrous 2002 campaign in which they finished bottom of their group.

World Cup Pedigree: So-so. Made the semi-finals in 66, led by the legendary Eusebio. Failed to impress in 86 and floundered in 2002.

Strengths: Lots of talent at many different positions, particularly in attack, with the likes of Luis Figo, Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo supplying prolific forward Pauleta.

Weaknesses: Shaky goalkeeper situation. Quim and Ricardo are vying for the job and neither has convinced.

Star Man: Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo combines speed and a superb touch with a willingness to beat his man every time. Very dangerous down the flanks.

Entertainment Value: 8. Have some quality players and like to push forward.

Country's Cultural Contributions: Henry the Navigator knew how to get around.

Fun Fact: Brazilian coach Luis "Big Phil" Scolari is a dead ringer for Gene Hackman.

Expectations: High. Made the finals of Euro 2004 and expect that their talent will lead them to similar heights this time.

The Prognosis: Portugal's talent is unquestionable, but that was also the case in 2002 when they found themselves down 3-0 in the first half to the United States. They never recovered from that shock defeat and went home in disgrace. The current side have many players left over from Portugal's "golden generation" of footballers that achieved success at youth level in the early 90s, and they will be eager to deliver. Coach Scolari is no stranger to success, having coached Brazil to the trophy in 2002. Practically a lock to qualify from the first round, but not likely to make a splash against more stout competition in the later rounds.

Angola

Another surprise first-time qualifier from Africa, Angola are eager to show the world that they are no joke and will be especially motivated to battle former colonizers Portugal.

Is it me or do they look really old? Why is the white guy slightly more to the left? Can't we all just get along?

World Cup Pedigree: Nada

Strengths: Strong in defense. Element of surprise, as they are new to the finals. Ugly jerseys could throw off opponents.

Weaknesses: No real playmakers to feed the scorers.

Star Player: Striker Akwa has a nose for goals and scored some crucial ones in qualifying.

Entertainment Value: 5. Very defensive-minded.

Country's Cultural Contributions: Fucked if I know any.

Fun Fact: Angola was a colony of Portugal, which is fun only if you're Portuguese. Many of Angola's players live and play in Portugal, so the team will be especially motivated to win. A similar scenario motivated the Senegalese to their shock win over France in 2002. The white guy in the picture is midfielder Figueiredo. Doesn't get more Portuguese than that.

Expectations: Nobody outside of Angola expects anything from these guys.

The Prognosis: Angola like to play tight at the back and then use their speed to counterattack down the flanks. Are a heavy underdog in this group, but cannot be taken lightly. They finished head of a qualifying group that included African heavyweight Nigeria. Coach Luis Goncalves led the youth side to the 2001 African Championship. Despite this, they look unlikely to advance beyond the first round.