Pauleta was the only player to appear in all 10 of Portugal's qualifying games and, with eight goals, was his side's highest goalscorer.
Much will rely on his strike partnership with Nuno Gomes, the sensation of Euro 2000.
The 28-year-old, whose full name is Pedro Miguel Carreira Resendes, is a rarity in Portuguese terms, having never played for any of the country's top three clubs.
He made his name in Spain's La Liga for Deportivo la Coruna but, following Euro 2000 and his inability to ensure a place in the starting line-up, he moved to French side Bordeaux.
There he has been one of the finds of European football, cementing a place in both the Bordeaux and Portuguese starting line ups.
He has all the attributes of a world class striker - strength in the air, ability off either foot and enough pace to ensure he beats defenders with consummate ease.