Portuguese Football in English
Fernando Santos has handed surprise call-ups to the senior Portugal squad to youngsters Lucas João, Gonçalo Guedes and Nélson Oliveira.
Ricardo Pereira is also rewarded for his excellent form in France, and there are recalls for midfielders André Gomes and William Carvalho after injury, and goalkeeper Eduardo.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out the two friendlies away against Russia (14 November) and Luxembourg (17 November).
Since taking over as Seleção coach from Paulo Bento, Fernando Santos has called up 51 players in little over a year in charge, giving 15 Portuguese footballers their full senior debuts. So despite his ultra conservative image, it is not beyond question that Santos will spring a surprise when it comes to naming the Euro 2016 squad.
There is plenty of time to discuss the make-up of the squad before next summer’s tournament, but this article focuses on one aspect alone: which uncapped player, if any, will make it into Fernando Santos’s squad for the European Championship in France?
PortuGOAL brings you five of the most likely talents to be given a shot at global stardom when Santos names that 23-man squad.
Portugal’s Under-21 team maintained their stunning form with victories at home against Hungary (2-0) last Friday and away in Greece (4-0) this afternoon.
Rui Jorge’s side rise to the top of Group 4 and look like steaming through their Euro 2017 qualification, with three wins out of three so far, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one in the process.
The disappointment of Portugal’s defeat in the Euro 2015 final to Sweden and the subsequent significant changes in personnel as the older players become ineligible have done nothing to dampen the brilliance of Jorge’s young team, or the enthusiasm surrounding the next generation of up-and-coming Portugal stars.
The Seleção rounded off their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign yesterday with a seventh victory in a row, thus extending their record of successive wins in competitive games.
Nani put Portugal into an early lead, Serbia equalised on 65 minutes, but a superb João Moutinho strike kept the impressive winning run going. The hosts ended the match with nine men as Kolarov and Matic were both sent off late on.
As has happened throughout the Santos reign, Portugal were far from fluid for much of the game (albeit on this occasion a 2nd-string line-up helps to explain why) but the side showed fortitude and commitment to grind out a positive result. The match also marked the debut of Benfica right-back Nélson Semedo.
Though still in search for "vintage Portugal", the Seleção overcame Nicklaus Bendtner and a persistent Danish side to book their place in next summer's European Championship. João Moutinho, in his first match back after a lengthy absence due to injury, scored the winner with a fine, curling effort and Portugal exhibited another strong defensive performance to shut down Denmark in front of a full house at the Quarry in Braga.
