Portugal are lining up for the World Cup group stages against Brazil and the Ivory Coast, but might struggle at the back.

The glaring holes the Portuguese must plug are at the back. Portugal will miss Jose Bosingwa, out with a knee injury, but have Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira. Are they still good enough?

They need to be. Portugal is hurt by quick-strike goals, high balls and set pieces.

When you are in a Group of Death with Brazil and the Ivory Coast, defence is not a position you want to find yourself worrying about.

Portugal is lucky to be in the tournament. If it is lucky enough to get out of this group it will be prepared for whatever else the tournament holds, though without a number of Chelsea players.