Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has declared that his side are among the firm favourites to win next year's World Cup in South Africa, despite the fact they have yet to qualify for the tournament!

Portugal face Bosnia-Hercegovina in a two-legged World Cup play-off tie which takes place on the 14th and 18th of November, having only just scraped through their qualifying group as runners-up last month at Sweden's expense

The former Real Madrid coach, who has also had two spells as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, feels that having escaped a tricky group, the Selecção have done the hardest part, and can look forward to challenging next summer.

"We made a few errors early on in qualifying. But since those admittedly dark times, the team has got back on track and played good football," he told fifa.com.

"More than that, I'd say brilliant football. Our team was fantastic in the games against Denmark, Sweden and Hungary. It was then we showed that we're hitting top form at the moment.

"I think the hardest part for us has been qualifying. If we qualify, Portugal will definitely be firm contenders to win South Africa 2010, or at least finish on the podium. I'm 100 per cent convinced we'll be there. I've got no doubts whatsoever."

Brave words indeed from the Portugal boss, whose side were one of the beneficiaries of Sepp Blatter's seeding arrangement going into the play-off draw, however overcoming Bosnia-Hercegovina home and away will be no easy feat.

And judging by the latest reports, Queiroz will have to do so without his inspirational skipper Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still sidelined with his mysterious ankle problem which is showing now signs of healing.