Cape of No Hope

Tom Adams of soccernet has an interesting take on Portugal's chances in South Africa, moustaches or not.
Nike's sublime new advert culminates with Cristiano Ronaldo's destiny being mapped out - a guest spot on The Simpsons, Ronaldo: The Movie starring Gael Garcia Bernal and, appropriately for such a committed narcissist, a huge statue being unveiled in his honour - but after a dismal result on Monday night, being asked to 'Write The Future' is proving particularly difficult for a talented, but flawed Portugal side.
On a night when England defeated Mexico 3-1 and Argentina hammered Canada 5-0, undoubtedly the standout result came in the town of Covilha as Portugal somehow contrived to draw 0-0 with Cape Verde Islands, a team ranked 117th in the world, just behind Botswana. Portugal's former colony have given Carlos Queiroz's side a bloody nose, and another reason to feel concerned with the finals in South Africa fast approaching, and Brazil and Ivory Coast to come in Group G.
Queiroz attempted to paint the result in a positive light, saying: "for those who do not understand what a preparation match is all about it's easy to criticise. But the team did what I wanted and it was principally a disciplined and organised game."
They may have been semi-finalists in 2006 under Luiz Felipe Scolari, but that achievement was pulled from the dying embers of a much-feted Golden Generation that failed to translate huge potential into tangible success. The worry for the new generation is that a similar sense of entitlement, or palpable potential, is worryingly absent at present. Qualification itself was something of a trauma. Having won only one of their first five matches, Portugal finally snuck ahead of Sweden to take a play-off place, going on to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on aggregate.
Despite recently blooding new talents such as left-back Fabio Coentrao, defensive concerns are not paramount as Portugal have not conceded in seven games. Instead a team that boasts Deco, Nani, Liedson and, of course, Ronaldo is being held back by a lack of creativity and invention. That was never more evident than on Monday night when all four players started, and failed to find a way past the superbly named Fredson Fock.
Ronaldo remains unconcerned though. "Of course we wanted to win," said Homer Simpson's cartoon tormentor, "but there's a lot to take into consideration because it was only a preparation game and I'm sure we'll get to the World Cup much better, both physically or psychologically, and will demonstrate that we are a great team."
But as Portuguese publication Maisfutebol put it, 'Não cheira a Mundial' (It doesn't smell like the World Cup). In fact, Portugal are in danger of stinking the place out. [end story]

I am in agreement with Tom.  The public relations onslaught is not enough to secure wins against the world's top teams.  The Nike advert is one of the best, if not the best, that I've ever seen.  But it's just that...an advert.  I remember the photos of the statue of Ronny when they were filming this back in February.  I found it ironic that Nike chose the glitz,glamor, cartoonish angle with Ronny, as opposed to the grit, grime, passion of football angle given Rooney.  Their worlds, which used to be intertwined, are now on opposite poles.
Rooney, who still bashes it out in the most competitive league in the world, has continued to increase his value with SAF's tutelage.  His commitment earned him many personal awards, which were well-deserved.
Ronny, on the other hand, chose the flash of RM.  Gritty football is not on order in La Liga and the skills he learned in Manchester have plateaued, ending with dire disappointment this season...no trophies or personal accolades.
Which one has the better chance of tasting glory in South Africa?  Rooney.
Portugal is in the Group of Death, and their language equivalents, Brazil, have proved to be an unbreakable juggernaut for the Portuguese historically.  I can't see that changing this year.  Ivory Coast, who are lead by C-Club striker and EPL Golden boot Didier Drogba, looked solid in qualification and won't be an easy mark for Ronny and company.  North Korea is the only weak link, but after Portugal's pathetic display against Cape Verde, I wouldn't rule out a draw with them.

Just like the La Liga season, it could be a long, unfruitful summer for Ronny. :(