Portugal has revealed its squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Head coach Fernando Santos named the 26-man roster, but can this group of players dubbed “The Chosen Ones” finally win Portugal’s first World Cup?
experience wins
Three players were named in the Portugal squad with more than 100 appearances each for the Seleção (Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Rui Patrício). Santos will surely expect a lot from these international veterans.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The winner of the Euro 2020 Golden Boot will want to establish his name in the skies of football. He will lead this Portuguese team in their fifth appearance in the World Cup final. The World Cup remains the biggest empty space in his glittering trophy case. Ronaldo’s recent form for Manchester United has not been up to his usual standards. If this is to be his last World Cup for him, he will have to channel the glory of previous years.
Pepe is currently the oldest player named in a team that will travel to Qatar this month. The 39-year-old defender was still playing regularly for Porto until he suffered a knee injury on 7 October. The defender is racing to get fit for what is likely to be his last World Cup as well.
diogo coast
Although Diogo Costa seems likely to be Portugal’s preferred starter, Rui Patrício offers Santos a trusted and experienced pair of hands. Patrício has played every minute in Serie A for Roma this season and will be ready if the need arises.
youth debuts
Fernando Santos named two unlimited outfield players to the 26-man roster. Teenage defender António Silva and striker Gonçalo Ramos could make their international debuts at the Qatar tournament. Both youngsters play for Benfica, who recently overtook Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the group in the UEFA Champions League.
Antonio Silva
António Silva has been a cornerstone in Benfica’s defence, playing every minute of the Champions League group stage and playing every minute of the last 8 games in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. The youngster has represented Portugal at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 levels. It would be great to see Silva make his senior World Cup debut. Definitely one to watch.
gonzalo ramos
Gonçalo Ramos has 12 goals in 20 games in all competitions for Benfica so far this season. The attacker had his breakout season with the Portuguese club last year, playing 46 times. For his country, Ramos featured in the Under-19 team that came second at the UEFA Under-19 Championship, as well as the Under-21 team that equaled the result at the UEFA Under-21 Championship. The link game between Ramos and João Mário will be one to watch out for as the two teammates transfer from club to club.
everything in between
Amongst the rest of the names in the squad, talents from super-rich clubs Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain will be mainstays of Portugal’s defense and midfield.
MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City’s trio of Rúben Dias, João Cancelo and Bernardo Silva will bring a winning mentality to a talented group of Portuguese players.
Cancelo has been dangerous from afar for Manchester City. Dias, who won the English Premier League Player of the Season award for the 2020/2021 season, is one of the most complete centre-backs in the world. Bernardo Silva, one of the most productive attacking players in the English Premier League, is in the top 3 in both assists and goal creation actions.
paris st germain
Experienced Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Danilo Pereira brings a wealth of experience to the defence. His pairing with Pepe or Rúben Dias will be one of the strongest central pairings in the tournament.
PSG youngsters Nuno Mendes and Vitinha will be looking to make their mark on the tournament. Nuno Mendes will compete for the left back position with Raphaël Guerreiro. Vitinha will have more competition for a place in the starting eleven, but he is likely to appear as a substitute.
Who are they facing?
The next exciting step will be to see who Fernando Santos appoints in the squad that opens Portugal’s campaign against Ghana on Thanksgiving, November 24. The second game is against Uruguay on November 28. Portugal’s final group stage match is against South Korea on December 24. 2. Portugal’s three group stage matches will air on FOX, Peacock and Telemundo.
Full list of squads
Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício (Roma), Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Defenders: Pepe (Porto), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphaël Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), João Cancelo (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester ) ) United), Antonio Silva (Benfica)
Midfielders: William Carvalho (Real Betis), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), João Mário (Benfica), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers), João Palhinha (Fulham), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Otávio (Porto), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), André Silva (RB Leipzig), João Félix (Atlético Madrid), Rafael Leão (Milan), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Gonçalo Ramos (Benfica)
Photo Credit: IMAGO/HMB-Media
