Fernando Couto
An experienced centre-back who has played at a number of top European clubs and has finally settled at Lazio after a poor start.
Couto has also enjoyed successful spells at Barcelona and Parma and is one of Portugal's most prosperous footballing exports with his graceful skills and surging runs which turn defence into attack.
Couto has been criticised in Italy for his occasional lapses in concentration but his partnership with Jorge Costa at the heart of the Portuguese defence is formidable.
It will be severely tested by the likes of Hagi, Shearer and Bierhoff in a tough Group A.