His irascible, in-your-face governance, supported by incendiary tweets, has given the nation an acute case of whiplash.

The possession of these various ideals and their attainment in such high degree have given the nation its cohesiveness.

Whatever may be the future of the Portuguese Republic, it has given the nation some weeks of unalloyed happiness.

This World Cup has given the nation a chance to present an image of youth and optimism, writes Tom Humphries, but can it last?