• Fernando Santos
• Cristiano Ronaldo
• Bernardo Silva
• 2018 World Cup

The European Champions booked their place at the 2018 World Cup with an authoritative display on Tuesday night in Lisbon, raising hopes that the Seleção could achieve something extraordinary in Russia next summer.

“It’s legitimate to think about winning the World Cup,” said midfielder João Mário after the victory against Switzerland. “We may not be favourites, but we are contenders for sure.” Despite giving a display of midfield intelligence, energy and poise, Mário had been upstaged by two other members of Portugal’s exciting young generation, William Carvalho and Bernardo Silva.

Juxtapose the vibrancy and talent of such players against the big-game knowhow of veterans Pepe and João Moutinho (both of whom were flawless against the Swiss) and the continuing x-factor that is captain Cristiano Ronaldo, and you have an explanation for the recent success of the national team. It is this harmonious combination of youth and experience that has a nation dreaming of the ultimate prize.

• Portugal,
• 2018 FIFA World Cup,
• Fernando Santos
• Seleção

Portugal coach Fernando Santos and his players were understandably delighted after beating Switzerland convincingly last night in Lisbon to book their place at the 2018 World Cup.

Santos praised the way his players fought and worked for the victory, to offer him the perfect present on his birthday, and also spoke about the incredible atmosphere and communion produced in the stadium upon the spontaneous rendition of the national anthem after the final whistle blew.

“Togetherness” was a common theme among the Portugal delegation post-match, while Bernardo Silva enthusiastically championed the Seleção’s chances of going far in Russia next summer.

• Portugal,
• Switzerland,
• 2018 FIFA World Cup,

Portugal 2-0 Switzerland

Portugal booked their place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia with a 2-0 victory over Switzerland, leapfrogging their opponents in a winner-takes-all tie in Group B.

In another inspiring night for Portuguese football, the Seleção took the lead late on in the first-half through Johan Djourou's own goal, as Portugal moved into top-spot by half-time.

It’s crunch time between Portugal and Switzerland with a place at the World Cup on the line.

Portugal want to avoid another major tournament play-off, and can book their ticket to Russia with victory at the Estádio da Luz. The Seleção can also gain revenge against a Swiss side that won the reverse fixture 2-0 in Basel, a match in which Ronaldo was unavailable.

PortuGOAL’s Matthew Marshall previews the crucial match for Fernando Santos’ European Champions.