Following last week's marathon of football kit releases, Nike continue their replica roll-out with the unveiling of the 2012 Portugal Away Strip for Euro 2012. Cristiano Ronaldo and co. will take to the stage wearing an unmistakable shirt design, hoping to redefine their international status and launch a successful European campaign in Poland & Ukraine.
After a series of understated designs including the new Holland and France Away Kits, Portugal's new offering will be one of the most distinguishable designs of the tournament. Portugal's star-studded team including household names Nani, Fabio Coentrao and Pepe will strike a powerful looking line-up as they vie for European glory this summer.
The Portugal away jersey is white with a large cross on the front -- a revered national symbol that was emblazoned on the sails of Portuguese ships. The half-red, half-green cross is divided diagonally at the center to represent the Armillary Sphere, a Portuguese national symbol for 500 years and also found on the nation's flag. Another Armillary Sphere symbol can be found inside the jersey's neck.
Laser-cut ventilation on the shirt promotes localised cooling where athletes need it most to remain focused on the game. A new double knit structure and yarns also makes this kit 20% stronger, with no compromise to fit and feel and natural cotton added for comfort. he fabric is also up to 23% lighter than the version four years ago.
Embedded with Nike Dri-FIT technology, the kits help to regulate players' temperatures on the pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool faster than ever before.
In line with Nike’s commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new kit’s shorts is made with 100 percent recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96 percent recycled polyester. Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.
How does Portugal’s new look rank in comparison to Nike's other Euro 2012 releases? Will it be a successful summer for Europe’s great underachievers? Let us know what you think! Share your thoughts online, on Twitter and on Facebook.