Portugal qualified for their first WC finals in 1966 and caused something of a stir on their debut. Trailing 3-0 to Korea DPR in the quarter-finals, the Portuguese recovered to win 5-3, thanks in large part to four goals from Eusebio.

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In the 1966 semi-final, Portugal fell 2-1 to the eventual champions England. In the third place play-off, they beat the USSR 2-1. Eusebio was the top goal scorer of the tournament with nine goals.

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In 1986, they packed their bags after the first round despite a win against England. The same fate awaited them in 2002. They were eliminated in the first round after a 1-0 loss to Korea Republic.