Portuguese Football in English
Seleção coach Roberto Martínez has announced the 26-man squad for Portugal’s Nations League matches against Poland and Scotland.
Farense goalkeeper Ricardo Velho gets a well-deserved spot on the squad after his superb season for the Algarve club last year and continuing good form in the new campaign.
Another debutant is Maiorca midfielder Samuel Costa, while Francisco Conceição is recalled after missing out last time because of injury.
Rui Jorge’s Portugal U21 team took a huge step towards qualification for next summer’s Euro by beating Croatia 2-0 with an impressive performance in Karlovac.
Second half goals by Paulo Bernardo and Carlos Borges consolidated the Seleção’s place at the summit of Group G.
Few footballers are considered good enough for selection to their national teams at the ripe old age of 39. As we’re sure you know, however, Cristiano Ronaldo is not your average player.
He is an icon widely recognised as one of the best footballers of all time.
Despite his age, he is still a key performer and Portugal’s most reliable goalscorer. This is all thanks to his dedication, incredible fitness, experience and goalscoring instinct. As proven in the recent Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland, he remains one of the national team’s most potent weapons.
Portugal made it two wins in the UEFA Nations League after beating Scotland 2-1 at Estádio da Luz.
The Seleção found themselves 1-0 down in the 7th minute when Scott McTominay headed Kenny McLean’s cross past Diogo Costa.
Portugal dominated proceedings with Rafael Leão heavily involved, the Scots holding on until half-time when Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced off the bench.
Bruno Fernandes converted a Leão cross to level the scores in the 58th minute. João Félix went close and Ronaldo hit the woodwork twice but he wouldn’t be denied.
The winning goal came in the 88th minute, Nuno Mendes’ cross picking out Ronaldo who found the net from close range.
Matthew Marshall reports from Estádio da Luz.
Portugal’s UEFA Nations League campaign got off to a winning start after defeating Croatia 2-1 at Estádio da Luz.
The Seleção got off to a fast start in Lisbon and took the lead in the 8th minute. Bruno Fernandes found Diogo Dalot in the box, the right-back holding off Borna Sosa and firing through Dominik Livaković.
Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the advantage in the 34th minute, getting onto the end of a pinpoint cross from Nuno Mendes and volleying past Livaković.
Croatia reduced the deficit four minutes before the break when Borna Sosa steered an Andrej Kramarić cross into the danger area, Dalot’s outstretched leg diverting the ball past Diogo Costa.
Roberto Martínez made two substitutions at the break and switched to a back three. The second half failed to produce any goals, Ronaldo heavily involved before coming off to a standing ovation.
Portugoal's Matthew Marshall reports from Estádio da Luz.
