During the 1998 period, the Portugal national football team, known as Seleção das Quinas, engaged in various international competitions and friendly matches, showcasing their talent and competitive spirit. Here's an overview of their performance during that time, particularly focusing on their away matches:
FIFA World Cup 1998:
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Portugal participated in the FIFA World Cup 1998 held in France. The tournament marked Portugal's fourth appearance in the World Cup finals. Led by coach Artur Jorge, the team featured notable players such as Luís Figo, Rui Costa, and Paulo Sousa.
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In the group stage, Portugal faced Romania, England, and Germany. They managed to advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams after securing a win against Romania and draws against England and Germany.
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In the Round of 16, Portugal faced off against Uruguay. In a tightly contested match, the game ended in a 0-0 draw after extra time, and Portugal was eliminated after losing 4-2 on penalties.
UEFA Euro 2000 Qualifiers:
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Portugal also participated in the UEFA Euro 2000 qualifiers during the 1998 period. They competed in a series of matches against other European nations to secure qualification for the tournament held in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2000.
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Portugal performed well in the qualifiers, finishing at the top of their group and securing their place in the UEFA Euro 2000 tournament.
Friendly Matches:
- In addition to competitive fixtures, Portugal also engaged in friendly matches during the 1998 period. These matches provided opportunities for the team to experiment with tactics, test new players, and build chemistry ahead of major tournaments and qualifiers.
Legacy:
- While Portugal's performance in the FIFA World Cup 1998 did not meet expectations, the experience gained from competing in the tournament and the UEFA Euro 2000 qualifiers laid the foundation for future successes. The team's participation in these competitions helped them gain valuable experience and exposure on the international stage, setting the stage for future achievements in European and world football.
