Portugal's top-drawer presenters

Pinto experience
Pedro Pinto, a Portuguese journalist from CNN international, and Fátima Campos Ferreira, news anchor of Radio Televisão Portuguesa (RTP), will be the two hosts of the draw ceremony. Pinto, 28, has been anchor of the daily sports magazine show World Sport on CNN since 1998.

'Very confident'
He also covered the last UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup for CNN. Next summer he is hoping Portugal fare better than they did in Korea/Japan. "After our disappointing performance in the World Cup, I hope things go better here," he told euro2004.com. "We have a great team and a great coach. I am very confident."

Great opportunity for Portugal
Campos Ferreira admitted she is not a huge sports fan, but as a host of the news programme Telejornal for several years, is accustomed to talking about a wide range of subjects. "As a journalist we have to be prepared for any kind of subject," she said. "But more than sport, the draw will be a spectacular moment of television and a great opportunity for Portugal to show itself to the world." As for the championship itself she prefers not to make predictions but is wishing the Portuguese team the best of luck.

Big moment
Both presenters were unanimous that presenting the draw was a highlight in their professional careers. "This is a new challenge," said Campos Ferreira. "I never directed my career towards such things but after receiving an invitation from Dr Gilberto Madaíl [chairman of Euro 2004, S.A.], I couldn't say no. I am honoured to be part of this event for my country."

'Great pleasure'
Although now based in the United Sates, Pinto said his mind was always with Portugal and he was therefore honoured to be asked to host the draw. "It will be a very important moment for my career but also for me personally," he said. "I have been addicted to football since I was a little boy, and it is with great pleasure that I will present the final draw in my own country."

Additional pressure
Despite the additional pressure of having the world's eyes on them, Pinto and Campos Ferreira are both feeling confident. "When I am working I don't think about how many people are watching," said Campos Ferreira. "The important thing is the preparation, and for that I go to the end of the world. It's the preparation that makes us feel confident in front of the cameras." Pinto added: "We have been preparing for this event since the summer. I am sure it will be a major success."

Tense few days
The next few days will be tense for the two draw anchors, with plenty of rehearsals to keep them busy. But the pair remain mindful of praising the rest of the team involved in the ceremony. "We are working with the best people that we can find, and all of us are doing everything we can to have a great show," said Campos Ferreira. Before taking their leave Pinto added, with characteristic confidence: "The way things are being prepared now shows us that we will have a great tournament next summer."