Portugal seek 'golden' successors

Glorious decade
Portugal's junior prowess started in the late 1980s as the result of a revolutionary youth policy spearheaded by Carlos Queiroz and Nelo Vingada, now assistant manager at Manchester United FC and head coach of A. Académica de Coimbra respectively. The pair reorganised the Portuguese Football Federation's youth department and kick-started a new era, which in just over a decade made the country a major force in world football. Led by the 'golden generation' of Luís Figo, Rui Costa and Fernando Couto, it brought a landslide of trophies including FIFA World Youth Championship triumphs in 1989 and 1991, four European U16 Championship victories and an U17 success in 2003, in addition to two more European titles at U18 level.

'Golden generation'
It all began in 1988 when the U18s reached the European Championship final, losing 3-1 against the Soviet Union. That team formed the basis of the squad that arrived in Riad, Saudi Arabia as outsiders for the World Youth Championship the following year. However, with future senior stars such as João Pinto and Paulo Sousa to the fore, Portugal unexpectedly lifted the title with some scintillating displays, marking the nation's first great footballing achievement and the birth of the 'golden generation'. In 1991, with João Pinto and Fernando Brassard still in the side and Figo and Rui Costa emerging, Portugal staged the next U20 finals and prevailed once again, defeating Brazil in the final in front of more than 120,000 spectators at the Estádio da Luz.

Increased expectation
Those triumphs catapulted the team to stardom at home and abroad. With these players and more making names for themselves in Europe's top leagues, a new mentality was introduced to the Portuguese national side. The improved standard increased expectations, and the press and supporters alike began to demand victories in major competitions. So far, they have been disappointed.

Senior setbacks
For all their youth success, Portugal missed out on the 1994 FIFA World Cup and, having reached EURO '96™, fell to the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. There was another World Cup qualification failure two years later before Portugal finally hit the big time at UEFA EURO 2000™, making the last four only to lose to France. Having then ended their long wait for a World Cup appearance in 2002, the Portuguese were unable to progress beyond the first round in a disastrous campaign. Worse was to come in UEFA EURO 2004™. On home soil, Portugal looked set to collect some long-overdue silverware as they marched to the final, knocking out Spain, England and the Netherlands, yet they lost to Greece in the Lisbon showpiece. Once again Portugal had failed to meet expectations at senior level.

Ronaldo role
Nevertheless, since the start of the 1990s Portugal's performances have risen consistently and, as the remaining members of the 'golden generation' contemplate retirement, a new crop of stars is emerging with Manchester United FC winger Cristiano Ronaldo as its figurehead. The seniors have reached the 2006 World Cup. On Wednesday, their U21 counterparts can begin to make their mark by turning a 1-1 first-leg draw with Switzerland into victory in Porto and a place in next summer's finals tournament.