English
Portugal headed to Russia with a tag of European champions after their Euro 2016 triumph in France.
2018 marks Portugal’s seventh appearance at the World Cup and their fifth in a row. Their best performance came on their debut in 1966 when they finished third after losing to hosts England in the semi-finals. They also reached to the semis in 2006, losing to France. Meanwhile, they went out in the group stage in both 2002 and 2014 and lost to Spain in the round of 16 in 2010.
In their Group stage of FIFA World Cup 2018, they have played two matches with a draw against Spain and Iran. And, have won only one match against Morocco which led them to the round of Last 16.
Portugal’s success in recent years has been in large part due to coach Fernando Santos, who oversaw a significant turnaround in form after replacing Paulo Bento following an embarrassing home defeat against Albania in a Euro 2016 qualifier. Santos subsequently led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title and has lost only once in 29 competitive internationals.
The 63-year-old is a former defender who played for Estoril and Maritimo. He has coached all Portugal’s “big three” clubs — Benfica, Porto and Sporting — and led Greece at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
Fernando Santos
A glance at Santos’ squad shows a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent who have come through the youth ranks.
Final 23-man squad-
GOALKEEPERS: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)
DEFENDERS: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Mario Rui (Napoli), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica)
MIDFIELDERS: Adrien Silva (Leicester), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (West Ham), Joao Moutinho (AS Monaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow), William Carvalho (Sporting)
FORWARDS: Andre Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas)
Player To Watch Out
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 4 goals in Group Stage matches of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
He scored a hat-trick in the opening game against Spain and became the player of the match.
Moreover, he scored a goal in the 4th minute of the second game against Morocco and overtook Ferenc Puskas to Become Europe’s All-Time Top International Scorer by adding 84 international goals in his tally.
Portugal will lock horns with Uruguay in the next stage of FIFA World Cup 2018 on June 30, Saturday at Fisht Stadium.
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