A group-stage exit in 2002 had been a sobering lesson. Portugal returned in 2006 with renewed purpose. Under Luiz Felipe Scolari, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Portugal exceeded many expectations with a deep run that took them to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Portugal looked unstoppable in the group stage, winning every match and signalling their intentions early. They edged past Netherlands in the Round of 16, survived a penalty shootout against England in the Quarter-finals, and were narrowly knocked out by France in the Semi-finals. Defeat in the the semis and the third-place match left Portugal in fourth, but the journey to the last four had already exceeded expectations.
4won1drawn2lost
7scored5conceded
4 consecutive wins kept 4 clean sheets.
Maniche led Portugal's attack with 2 goals 1 in the group stage and 1 in the round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup.
Conceded in only 3 of 7 matches
The tactical mind behind Portugal's 2006 campaign. Managed 2 nations at World Cups 14 World Cup matches managed in total.
Scolari's aggressive tactics and counterattacking style often caught opponents off guard. However, the team struggled to maintain consistency in defense and ultimately succumbed to Germany's superior firepower.
