Portugal kick off their campaign against Iceland tonight looking to go at least one better than their efforts in 2012 where they crashed out in the semi finals on penalties to eventual winners Spain. Despite a top ten world ranking and arguably the world's best player... few believe Portugal will be able to triumph on the continental stage.

For most teams at Euro 2016, the tournament is about the team dynamic. But Portugal’s hopes of success would appear to rest at the feet of one person. Cristiano Ronaldo is, without doubt, the central figure of the side. But even armed with arguably the greatest player in world football, few in France are tipping Portugal to triumph… although that is just the way the players like it.

"I think we are not the favourite but we have all the possibilities because that is where we want. Of course, we want to win the tournament but we know we are not the favourites and we want to go step by step," said Eder Portugal forward.

Cristiano’s presence would give any team a chance of success. But some pundits believe it also makes Portugal all the more predictable… In short, stop Ronaldo – stop Portugal.

"Cristiano is Portugal. And all the players accept that Cristian is Portugal. The whole of Portugal accepts that Cristiano is Portugal. And that is a problem for him as he needs players to step up and support him at the highest level. Sometimes the best players find a solution. But for him it is tougher than anyone else because he does not have that much support," said Peter Schmeichel former Denmark & Man. united goalkeeper.

Given Portugal face Iceland, Austria and Hungary in Group F, the 2004 finalists are expected to cruise through the group stages.

And if nothing else, the players believe they can count on plenty of support.

"It is very special as we have a big Portuguese community in France and that is very good as they will support us and they will give us big energy so that will be very important for our matches," said Eder Portugal forward.

"Given Portugal are currently ranked eighth in the world ahead of the likes of England and Italy, the underwhelming buzz around the side is still perhaps hard to fathom. But if Ronaldo can inspire his team mates, then perhaps Portugal can still have the last laugh and line up here in Paris next month in the final," said Dan Williams.