No playmaker

RUI COSTA led the so-called golden generation and Deco masterminded Luiz Felipe Scolari’s more combative side but now there is a big hole in the Portugal midfield.

For the first time since they re-emerged as a force in international football at Euro 96, Portugal are playing without a recognised playmaker.

What was seen as a weakness, however, as they lost their opening match 1-0 to Germany, has been turned to their advantage by passionate coach Paulo Bento.