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Portugal backed as World Cup contenders despite shaky start

The Star

July 03, 2026

FORMER India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is considered as the torch-bearer of Indian football in the international arena, believes Portugal remain genuine contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title despite an inconsistent group-stage campaign and backed Roberto Martinez’s side to overcome Croatia in their blockbuster Round of 32 clash.

Portugal and Croatia will meet in Toronto in a heavyweight knockout fixture that could mark the final FIFA World Cup appearance for two of football’s greatest modern icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.

Both are featuring in their sixth FIFA World Cup, a feat achieved only by four players in tournament history alongside Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa. Portugal reached the knockout stage after a mixed group campaign.

A surprise draw against DR Congo was followed by a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, where Ronaldo scored twice to move past Eusebio's tally of nine FIFA World Cup goals, before a defeat to Colombia left Portugal second in the group.

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