Couto convinced Portugal are ready

Portugal defender Fernando Couto admits that his team are carrying the burden of high expectations into Euro 2004 but is confident he and his team-mates have the character to fulfil the hopes of the host nation.

Speaking on the eve of the tournament opener between Portugal and Greece at the Estadio do Dragao, Couto expressed his hope that the national team would not disappoint a country that is always passionate about football but which has been going into frenzy as the kick-off approaches.