The arrival of former Cuban coach Juan Diaz in 2000 was a turning point for Portugal as they targeted being among the world’s elite teams. After two years with Qatar, Juan Diaz returned in 2009 and again reinvigorated the team. Portugal hosted the Final Four of the European League in 2009 and took the bronze medal, but 2010 far exceeded that. Portugal achieved their best ever record: in 20 official matches, Portugal won 18 and lost only two, and triumphed in the European League with a 3-1 win over Spain. Portugal participated in the World League for the first time in 1999 and shocked everyone as they beat Cuba and pushed Argentina and France. In the 2005 World League, Portugal achieved their best ever result, finishing fifth and beating Brazil in straight sets. In 2006, under the direction of Brazilian Francisco dos Santos, Portugal participated in their seventh World League, and a year later they hosted the Final Four of the European League when they came close to claiming their first international trophy, but ended up losing 3-2 to Spain in the final. 

Juan Diaz Mariño was born in Cuba in 1948 and became a Portuguese citizen in 2009. After playing for P.Rio Clube, he joined Cuba’s coaching staff in 1972 and coached the Cuba youth team from 1974 to 1984 before returning to the senior team. From 1987 to 1992, he led the coaches’ team for the youth side and coached in two Beach Volleyball World Championships. After a spell as assistant coach, he was named Cuba’s head coach in 1994, staying in the job until 2000 and winning the World League in 1998. He had his first spell with Portugal from 2001 to 2005 and helped them qualify for the 2002 World Championship. After two years with the Qatar National team, Juan Diaz returned to work in Portugal.