Euro 2008: Nuno Gomes, Simao and Petit well placed to start for Portugal

Arduous training session gives clues as to initial starting XI

Luiz Felipe Scolari gave the thousands of watching fans and dozens of journalists a big clue into his thinking for Portugal’s starting eleven in a productive training session in Viseu yesterday.

The Brazilian seems certain to stick to his preferred 4-3-3 formation, with Nuno Gomes currently the number one choice to play as the lone centre forward.

Other selections in Scolari’s training ground first eleven that may raise eyebrows were Simao Sabrosa (preferred to Ricardo Quaresma) and the pairing of Joao Moutinho and Petit as the defensive midfielders, leaving no place for Miguel Veloso.

Paulo Ferreira appears favourite to fill the problem left-back role. The prospective first team picked by Scolari was as follows:

Ricardo, Bosingwa, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Petit, Joao Moutinho, Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao, Nuno Gomes

Scolari’s alterations in the second half of the training match gave indications of perhaps the Brazilian’s biggest doubts. Bruno Alves came in for Pepe to partner Ricardo Carvalho at the centre of defence, Miguel replaced Bosingwa, and Miguel Veloso substituted club colleague Joao Moutinho alongside Petit.

The excellent form shown by Nani throughout, playing for the second eleven, would also have given Scolari food for thought.

Portugal will be looking to fine-tune their system in a friendly match against Georgia on Saturday before playing their first match at Euro 2008 against Turkey one week later.


Euro 2008 Portugal diary