In the past few years, people have noticed Portugal due to the popularity of Portuguese player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo indeed is one of the most prolific players of football but his national team has been struggling to stay on top.
In this short entry, we will be discussing the capability of Portugal to compete in the international level as well as the influence of certain players to the Os Navegadores.
Performances in the past editions
It is rare for Portugal to finish on the top of the Worldcup22, however when they do, it is because they have given all they’ve got.
All of the experts would agree that Portugal’s most incredible performance was on the 2006 FIFA World Cup when the national team was being presided over by Luis Figo. At that time, Cristiano Ronaldo was still a young athlete, far from who he is right now.
In that edition, Portugal made it to the semi-finals, even defeating the more consistent forces in the World Cup like England. That era of Portugal national team was known as the Golden Generation with names like Ricardo Carvalho and Deco are at their prime.
Another time that shows the full potential of Portugal was on 2019 when they won the UEFA Champions League.
Unfortunately, aside from Cristiano Ronaldo, no Portuguese player has ever reached near his level. However, there are a few individuals that if trained properly, they could turn Portugal a powerhouse in international football stage.
The first on this list is Joao Felix who is known for his ability to play in various positions on the field. Just like Ronaldo, he is able to produce a powerful blow whenever he is on the pitch.
Another talented player on the Portuguese national team is Bruno Fernandes. He has been doing well lately and being offered a position at Manchester United. Also, Bernardo Silva, who is currently at Manchester City has been instrumental in providing Man City a domestic league title.
It is no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo is heavily regarded as one of the best football player of all time. Even at the retiring age of 34, Ronaldo has been on the top of the game along with his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo’s style of play has improved ever since he debuted at the A Selecao. He has been a prolific goalscorer in both his career in club football and in Portugal team.
His success in international football has been influential in providing inspiration to younger players to play passionately for the Portugal national team. The only downside to this is the fact that his success and achievements can’t be emulated by anyone else even the best players in the current roster of the national team.
Portugal’s odds of winning the World Cup
It is fortunate that Portugal has qualified for the tournament proper of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The current roster is being led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Bernardo Silva.
As for now, winning the championship title was off the cards for the Portugal team, considering the incredible form of heavyweights like France, England, and Brazil. However it is possible that Portugal could give the world football fans a good show.
Meanwhile, it is highly unlikely that Ronaldo and Messi will not meet at the group stage since they are placed in different groups. However, it is possible that Portugal and Argentina to meet in the knockout stage if both teams will do well.
If both teams topped their respective groups, they have a possible chance to face off in the finals. To support the Portugal team, watch the World Cup 2022 free livestream and maximize your odds of winning!