One Foot in the Algarve

Portuguese manager Sir Pissalot is keeping his cards close to his chest but gives the impression of a man who is quietly confident of progressing from the Group Stage. "I'm quietly confident of progressing from the Group Stage" he said, when pressed. "Why do you think that wily old fox, Roy Hodgson, chose Portugal to bring his jaded England squad for a pre-tournament 'bonding' session? It has nothing to do with Super Bock or sardines", he added. "It's all to do with our women"! "I am close to naming a squad that will be exciting to watch and I can tell from just looking at them that they are really 'up for it'". "I just need to keep that greasy winker, Christiano Ronaldo, away from them".