U21 Euro squad also announced

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has announced a 25-man squad for Portugal’s first set of qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup, against Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg.

Sporting’s superb season is reflected in the debut callups of left wing-back Nuno Mendes and holding midfielder João Palhinha, while Arsenal right-back Cédric Soares is recalled after a long absence. Eintracht Frankfurt striker André Silva and Benfica winger Rafa Silva are also recalled. 

“Total Football” turns Portuguese

In less than four months, Portugal defend a major tournament crown for the very first time at this summer’s better-late-than-never Euro 2020. Notwithstanding its recent failed UEFA Nations League bid, a lesser-celebrated yet fascinating competition, Portugal’s emergence into unfamiliar territory carries an inherent psychological price tag never before encountered.

External and internal pressure the likes of which only those who have ever worn the grandeur of the name “Champion” will ever know.

Euro 2020 was postponed for one year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is now scheduled to be held from 12 June to 12 July 2021. The semi-finals and final will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, which perhaps part explains why England are among the favourites to win the championship at odds of roughly 4/1, while Portugal are relative outsiders behind the likes of France, Belgium, Spain and Germany

Fernando Santos and his men will not be concerned about that, though. Portugal tend to thrive in the underdog role, as memorably exemplified at the Stade de France on 10 July 2016 as Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the trophy after the Seleção shocked the hosts thanks to substitute Eder’s memorable long-range winner.

Portugal’s team has changed greatly from that famous night in Paris. With our friends from duxcasino.com, PortuGOAL selects a Seleção line-up based on current form for Euro 2020 (yes, the event will retain its name even though it will be held in the summer 2021). Here is Portugal’s potential XI if the tournament were to begin tomorrow. 

The World Cup qualifying draw took place in FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Monday in a behind-closed-doors ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Portugal were seeded in the top tier and have been handed a seemingly negotiable section, alongside Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. The winners of Group A qualify automatically for World Cup 2022, with the runners-up going into a playoff to make the tournament.

Later in the week it was confirmed hosts Qatar will also compete in the group as part of their preparations, with Portugal’s “away” game against the Middle Eastern nation played at a neutral venue in Europe, to be arranged.