The last time Portugal played in a World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the country’s greatest-ever player, left the field in tears, with the knowledge that it may have been his last time in the national colours on the world’s biggest stage.

Fast-forward four years and the evergreen Ronaldo is back, leading a team ranked fifth in the world. It is no fluke they are among those genuine contenders for a world title.

While the main story surrounding Portugal is the sixth and likely last World Cup for a player who is possibly the nation’s greatest-ever footballing product, hidden in his shadow is a Portuguese team brimming with talent and versatility in every position.