PORTUGAL fans should not be too happy with the 3-1 victory against 10-man Cameroon.

There are still plenty of problems for the team that was fourth in the 2006 World Cup.

One glaring problem is the lack of firepower up front.

Liedson was the starting striker in Tuesday's game but the Sporting Lisbon frontman is not the man that Portugal can rely on to bring on the firepower. Liedson is more of a supporting striker, linking plays for the midfielders to have a strike on goal.

In Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal have in their team the most expensive player in the world.

He may be one of the most creative players in the world and can produce a moment of magic any time. But Ronaldo failed to score in the qualifying stages and his last international goal came in June 2008.

The Portuguese defence also have their problems. Fullbacks Duda and Paulo Ferreira are not known for their defensive capabilities and come June 15, when Portugal play Ivory Coast, they will be in for a night of torment.

Ricardo Carvalho and Bruno Alves might be good centre-backs, but looking at the way that they conceded the goal to Achille Webo's header on Tuesday, they should be worried about the prospects of meeting the physical presence of Didier Drogba come June 15.

Quality

What they lack is a quality defensive midfielder to sit in front of the back four.

Pepe has that role now but he is a centre-back by nature and he has been out injured since December. Even if he recovers in time, he will be short of match sharpness.

Portugal have no balance in the team, with most of the players focusing on attacking and yet struggling to find the net.

I would not be surprised to see them being knocked out from the group stages if they repeat their recent showings.

TSANG WING HAN