Position: Midfielder
Born: 01.12.74
Club: Dinamo Moscow

Francisco Costa, better known as Costinha, was plucked from relative obscurity in the mid-90s when, after an impressive campaign with Portuguese second division side Nacional da Madeira, he was snapped up by French giants Monaco.

Costinha had never even played in the top flight in Portugal before that move but he has proved he is more than a capable operator at the highest level.

A defensive midfielder who is good in the air, Costinha is approaching his half-century of caps with Portugal, and has also tasted Champions League and UEFA Cup success with Porto.

He moved to Dinamo Moscow in 2005 but failed to settle and did not represent his club this year. He is determined to secure a release with the Russian side and has been keeping fit with Lisbon club Belenenses.

Portugal manager Luis Felipe Scolari has kept faith in Costinha despite his lack of playing time and the midfielder will hope to repay his boss in Germany.