i mean, if you can call them a "dark horse" as they're pretty fucking good they just don't usually do well enough, or even get put up as potential winners usually.

but this is one of the strongest Portugal teams top to bottom in a long time and they don't have to rely on Ronaldo to get them over the hump like they have the last 3 world cups.

also, sports just has a way of making stories, and it'd be a hell of a story if they won after barely qualifying.

they look really good today, but tougher tests await. gonna be fun to watch.