Portugal WC Squad (1 Viewer)

[swag]

Rui Costa pulled a "Maldini" and retired from internationals after WC 2002 without once changing his mind ever since.

And Costinha has no team because he was dumped by Dynamo Moscow for disciplinary problems (he figuratively butted heads with the coach). He's also arguably out of shape after a long lack of playing time. Even with the surprising crap performance by the U-21s, Manuel Fernandes should have taken his spot.

 

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[swag]

So Luxembourg, who was last trashed 7-0 by Germany, is holding Portugal to a 0-0 tie at the half. Pauleta, who had about as "on" a match as I've ever seen in a center forward against Cape Verde last weekend (every touch the guy had went at the box), is all just a bit off this time, every time. And while Portugal is owning them in midfield (70% possession), Luxembourg is crowding their own box and making it difficult to send anything useful in front of goal.

Just underscores how anything can happen in the WC...

 

[Stephan]

So Luxembourg, who was last trashed 7-0 by Germany, is holding Portugal to a 0-0 tie at the half. Pauleta, who had about as "on" a match as I've ever seen in a center forward against Cape Verde last weekend (every touch the guy had went at the box), is all just a bit off this time, every time. And while Portugal is owning them in midfield (70% possession), Luxembourg is crowding their own box and making it difficult to send anything useful in front of goal.

Just underscores how anything can happen in the WC...

how many minutes played? and whos playing?

 

[swag]

how many minutes played? and whos playing?

Portugal 3-0 Luxembourg f/t

Portugal started with:

------------ Ricardo ------------
Miguel -- Meira -- Carvahlo -- Valente
--- Maniche --------- Costinha
------------- Deco -----------
--- Figo ----------------- Ronaldo
----------- Pauleta ----------

At the half, Postiga subbed for Pauleta, Petit for Costinha, and Simão for Deco.

Postiga pulled his usual super-sub routine and nailed a tough shot at goal in the first 30 seconds of the second half that the Luxembourg goalie could only parry, the rebound of which was neatly headed in by Simão. A poor tackle of Figo going deep in the box lead to a Simão PK. And later, Petit launched a deep pass to catch Figo going deep again for a nice touch finish over the goalie.

This match was all about Portugal's wings: Ronaldo and particularly Simão and Figo had great games. But clearly Portugal chose confidence-boosting friendlies over the tougher road that Italy chose.

 

[Stephan]

what you mean chose confidende boosting?

you mean italy should have played friendlys with small/weak teams who dont play in world cup?

 

[Stephan]

anyway as jack would have asked, (or maybe he has), why you support portugal if your country is usa? relatives from portugal?

 

[swag]

what you mean chose confidende boosting?

you mean italy should have played friendlys with small/weak teams who dont play in world cup?

IMO, I think a mix is good. Too many easy teams and you're not challenged enough. Too many hard teams and you go into the tournament wondering if you can do anything right.

anyway as jack would have asked, (or maybe he has), why you support portugal if your country is usa? relatives from portugal?

A few reasons. For one, my wife is Portuguese and a native speaker. For another, I've really liked the squad of players they have. For another still, being a Juve fan where the silverware has often flowed like water, it's a nice change to support some quality dark horse teams (and ones that don't really get as much attention) that haven't yet lived up to their potential ... without being so stupid as to become an Inter fan, of course.

You can't be a gloryhunter all the time I suppose.

 

[denco]

anyway as jack would have asked, (or maybe he has), why you support portugal if your country is usa? relatives from portugal?

I didnt know you were Italian