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Tuesday, 27 June, 2000, 16:00 GMT 17:00 UK
Golden boys ready to shine
Portugal's stylish progress in Euro 2000 is a coming of age for the so-called "Golden Generation."
The tournament has finally witnessed the transformation of glorious natural talent from under-achievers to a team of true world standing.
Portugal's current crop of players came off the country's production line together at the turn of the last decade, winning the World Youth Cup in 1989 and 1991.
The latter victory - on penalties against Brazil in front of 120,000 spectators in Lisbon's famous Stadium of Light - was expected to signal the start of a new era of glory,
It was simply the beginning of years of disappointment for Portugal, who promised much and yet achieved little at world and European level.
Portugal were world football's perennial dark horses. They were in constant contact with the elite and yet never threatened it.
It sparked an exodus of Portugal's prime home-produced talent, and the national team was undermined.
A collection of coaches have failed to mould the talent at Portugal's disposal into true contenders in a succesion of high profile tournaments.
The raw talent was also accompanied by an apparent lack of mental strength under pressure - until the arrival of current coach Humberto Coelho.
Coelho, a former international defender with 64 caps, has fashioned a side of technical excellence and mental toughness, as proved by their comeback from two goals down to beat England in their Euro 2000 opener.
Figo is now rivalling Zinedine Zidane as one of the players of Euro 2000, while Rui Costa has produced the form that has made him a key performer for Fiorentina in Italy's Serie A.
And even Portugal's defence, earmarked as suspect by many before they kicked their first ball against England, have stood up to all examinations so far.
The combination of culture and creativity, mixed with the new found strength, has carved a winning path through Euro 2000.
Portugal will face France as underdogs, but Coelho's team believe this is the time to put the years of failure behind them and put the country back on the pedestal enjoyed by Eusebio's legendary sixties side.
All this has led to a conviction in Portugal that it is now time for the graduation of the "Golden Generation."
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