The problem with Portugal has always been that they flatter to deceive: playing oustanding possession football, but unable to reach the heights due to their lack of a cutting edge.

As a perennial fixture in the forward line, some blame may reside with Pinto who can be culpable of some anaemic shooting.

Yet he is undoubtedly a supremely talented footballer who possesses a dizzying turn of pace that often leaves defenders sprawling in his wake.

Not by nature an out-and-out frontman, he prefers the ball in front of him as he runs from deep, displaying his dribbling ability as he takes on defenders.

He scored nine goals in 10 Euro qualifiers though four of these came against lowly Liechtenstein

The only player to win World Youth Cups in '89 and '91, his full debut came in 1991 against Luxembourg and he has since passed 50 caps and is closing in on 20 goals.