Portugal 2-1 Belgium

The Seleção finished the international break tonight with a stirring performance against Belgium, winning 2-1 in Leiria. Nani contrasted some of his recent performances by scoring a fine goal with Ronaldo adding the second with a typical header. The display will surely complicate the selection picture for Santos, especially in defence and midfield. 

Luckily, Portugal is one of the world’s top producers of football talents and one of the nations that is more deeply connected to the sport itself. With hundreds of talents plying their trade abroad, the national team coaches have plenty to pick from when coming up with a squad to take on a competition of such high importance as the European Championship, for example.

But let’s imagine that that’s not true. For a few minutes let’s forget all of those who play in the biggest competitions on the planet, let’s forget the best player on Earth, and let’s focus on our own league. What would this national team look like if it consisted of players who decided to stay in their home country? Probably just a simple mix of the “Big Three”, right?

Well then, in an attempt to give the limelight to some of the smaller clubs and less well known players, let’s make it a bit more difficult to pick a line-up and forbid the entrance to those who play for Porto, Benfica or Sporting as well. Here’s what our national team to approach Euro 2016 would look like if it could only be composed of footballers who play within their country of origin and who aren’t part of any of the big three’s rosters.

Wasteful finishing and an outstanding display by Bulgarian goalkeeper Stoyanov combined to condemn Portugal to defeat in Leiria tonight.

Poor defending by Vieirinha and Pepe allowed Marcelinho to bundle the ball past Anthony Lopes in the 20th minute, but before and after the goal the Seleção contrived to spurn a hatful of chances to score.

On the evidence of tonight, of the 17 Portugal players Santos used, it was Braga forward Rafa who gave his chances of securing a berth in the Euro 2016 team the biggest boost.

Fernando Santos has announced a 24-man squad for Portugal’s upcoming friendly internationals against Bulgaria and Belgium.

Benfica sensation Renato Sanches gets his first call-up in a squad that is a mix of exciting new talent and tried and tested veterans.

Fábio Coentrão and João Moutinho are both left out because of injury, but barring the absence of the Monaco duo, both of whom will certainly be in France if fit, this is likely to be very similar to Portugal’s final EURO 2016 squad.