Fernando Santos sets clear World Cup goal before Egypt test

Seleção coach Fernando Santos famously promised during the European Championship in France two years ago that he would only be returning to Portugal the day after the final had been played and would be received in celebration. Dito e Feito.

At yesterday’s press conference ahead of the Egypt and Netherlands friendly matches, Santos again showed ambition in setting out the goal ahead of the Russia World Cup, saying “Portugal does not have a dream, it has a clear objective, which is to fight for victory at the World Cup.”

As for the significance of the two upcoming games in terms of deciding the final 23-man squad, Santos insisted it was not ‘make or break’ for players hoping to book their place on the plane.

“These games aren’t a question of solving my doubts. I said to the players as soon as they arrived to enjoy the training camp, the matches, and that this wasn’t a test. I told them they were part of the group of 35 or more players from whom the World Cup squad would be picked.”

Hope for Nani, Dias

The idea that the door would not be closed for any player was further emphasised by Santos when he was asked about Nani’s possible inclusion. “Everyone knows the contribution Nani made to the victory at Euro 2016, no-one more than the coach. He is certainly in the group of players who can be selected.”

Santos admitted he would have liked to see centre-back Rúben Dias in action for the Seleção but reiterated that the fact the Benfica defender had to leave the squad because of injury does not exclude him from being selected for the World Cup.

Indeed, the only players who Santos ruled out definitively were Brazilian born central defenders Jardel and Maicon, both of whom have recently acquired Portuguese citizenship and who have expressed their interest in representing the Seleção. “Jardel and Maicon are not part of this group of selectable players, although I recognise they are excellent players,” said Santos, responding to the question put by PortuGOAL.

Despite Santos stating that individual performances in the next two matches are not crucial to his final decision, and his open-minded approach to selection – a characteristic he has shown ever since becoming Portugal coach in September 2014 – there is no doubt that strong showings over the next four days from the likes of Mário Rui, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Fernandes and Rúben Neves will do their hopes of making the World Cup squad no harm.

Predicted Portugal XI v Egypt (kick-off 7.45 pm, Zurich):

Rui Patrício, Cédric Soares, José Fonte, Rolando, Raphael Guerreiro, Rúben Neves, João Moutinho, João Mário, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, André Silva

By Tom Kundert

Related: Second-guessing Portugal's World Cup squad