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New Seleção coach Roberto Martínez announced his first squad at the Cidade do Futebol this afternoon for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.

Former Porto centre-back Diogo Leite gets his debut call-up in an otherwise practically identical list to Portugal’s World Cup squad. 

Sporting centre-back Gonçalo Inácio is also given the nod, while Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is recalled after missing the tournament in Qatar due to injury.

From Portugal’s World Cup players, only William Carvalho, André Silva and Ricardo Horta miss out.

New formation in the offing?

One interesting aspect is that Martínez selected six central defenders and four full-backs, suggesting he may set up with a 3-4-3 tactical system. Many analysts and fans have long been calling for such a system to be implemented, principally owing to Portugal’s extremely offensive full-backs, but Fernando Santos never experimented with it.

The Seleção kick off their 2024 European Championship qualification campaign against Liechtenstein in Lisbon on 23 March, at the Estádio de Alvalade, before taking on Luxembourg away three days later.

Portugal’s other opponents in Group J are Iceland, Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.  

Full Portugal squad: 

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolves), Rui Patrício (Roma)

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (Bayern Munich), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), António Silva (Benfica), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Diogo Leite (Union Berlin), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)

Midfielders: João Palhinha (Fulham), Rúben Neves (Wolves), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Mário (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolves), Otávio (Porto), Vitinha (PSG)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Gonçalo Ramos (Benfica), João Félix (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (Milan), Diogo Jota (Liverpool)

By Tom Kundert

 

 

Comments (34)

DEREK_S
  2. #14519
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If this is the actual lineup, I would have liked some more players who needed to be capped on this team, especially against the quality of teams coming up. Asking Pepe and CR7 to stay home might have been an issue and rock the leadership core,...

If this is the actual lineup, I would have liked some more players who needed to be capped on this team, especially against the quality of teams coming up. Asking Pepe and CR7 to stay home might have been an issue and rock the leadership core, but guys like Nunes and Octavio shouldn't of been hard to replace. Players like Galeno, Beto, Fabio Carvalho, Florentino, Jota (Celtic), Pote and others being pretty close too in Joao Mario (Porto), Vitinha (Braga/Marseille) and Andre Almeida. It would be easier now than later in my opinion to get some of these players a shot also provide competition for the players who feel their spots are locked on the team.

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DEREK_S
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Santos    DEREK_S
  2. #14525
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Beto and Florentino for sure. Pote getting there. The others haven't done enough IMO.

Santos
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Nelson    DEREK_S
  2. #14526
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Last I heard, Fabio Carvalho turned down playing for the U21 Selecao back in November. If a call up to the senior team might have swayed his decision (Portugal VS England) then its a missed opportunity for sure.

Nelson
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Martim/Lisboa    Nelson
  2. #14529
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is there any other news or update on that? I saw it come out, tons of articles and then went dead quiet...could he still be deciding?

Martim/Lisboa
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Nelson    Martim/Lisboa
  2. #14551
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I haven't seen anything lately, but he's also been on the bench more often than not. Just not getting the minutes at Liverpool.

Nelson
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Santos    Martim/Lisboa
  2. #14580
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TBF he never said anything about representing Portugal or not. He said something along the lines of not learning anything from playing in the u21s, so he might accept a call to the senior side if one comes. But given Liverpool have not had a...

TBF he never said anything about representing Portugal or not. He said something along the lines of not learning anything from playing in the u21s, so he might accept a call to the senior side if one comes. But given Liverpool have not had a great season, have had injuries to key offensive players and yet he still has barely played a minute suggests he has more to learn than he thinks. He won't get into either side (England or Portugal) on current form. I think deciding to wait to join a big club is an underrated quality in todays players young players. He's rushed to join a side where he won't play. If you look at the season Fulham are having there's no reason he couldn't have stayed there and stabilized in the Premier League in a familiar environment.

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Santos
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DEREK_S    Nelson
  2. #14532
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My concern with Fabio Carvalho and not being capped for Portugal is not what he is now, its more what he will be later. The replacement for Bernado Silva in the future possibly. I would also like a couple big body players mainly strikers that can...

My concern with Fabio Carvalho and not being capped for Portugal is not what he is now, its more what he will be later. The replacement for Bernado Silva in the future possibly. I would also like a couple big body players mainly strikers that can muscle for the ball. I thought Beto would fit that role, since Andre Silva isn't really working out. Fingers crossed for Fabio Silva and Ramos to gain some more muscle and continue developing well.

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DEREK_S
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Paulo
  2. #14520
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Looks like e we will see a back three.

Paulo
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Justin/rochester
  2. #14521
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…..….Costa……..
Dalot….Ruben…Silva
…………Palhinha………
Cancelo………….Mendes
Bruno……...Felix
……Goncalo….Leao……

Something like that would be our most attractive/attacking lineup. Martinez just has to instruct Cancelo and Mendes to be wary of...

…..….Costa……..
Dalot….Ruben…Silva
…………Palhinha………
Cancelo………….Mendes
Bruno……...Felix
……Goncalo….Leao……

Something like that would be our most attractive/attacking lineup. Martinez just has to instruct Cancelo and Mendes to be wary of getting back defensively. I’m not even going to talk about Ronaldo. At this point, I’d rather talk to any Portuguese person about Covid vaccines, if religion is real and their politics before Ronaldo. Oh yeah, never liked Joao Mario for this national team because he’s extremely one dimensional and he offers nothing that we don’t already have with other midfielders. I understand that for Benfica he appears to be Jesus Christ so I suppose I understand the call up considering how popular Benfica is to the Portuguese federation etc.

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Justin/rochester
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Santos    Justin/rochester
  2. #14524
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I don't think you can say Joao Mario has been called up for any other reason than the fantastic season he's having. Simple. I don't think it's necessary to enter into conspiracy theories on this one. Agree since 2016 he hasn't really had a great...

I don't think you can say Joao Mario has been called up for any other reason than the fantastic season he's having. Simple. I don't think it's necessary to enter into conspiracy theories on this one. Agree since 2016 he hasn't really had a great game for the Selecao but his form this season is enough to justify his inclusion.

My major gripe (Ronaldo aside) would be Ruben Neves. Average IMO, especially when Florentino was excluded (granted their qualities are very different).

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Santos
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Joe
  2. #14522
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Renato sanches, pedro goncalves should be in, sanches is fit again and goncalves is having another good season on a personal level.

Joe
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Jerrold Hewson    Joe
  2. #14527
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Yeah Sanches is the only one that I believe is missing out

Jerrold Hewson
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Tarini Prasad Sahoo
  2. #14523
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3-4-3

Antonio Silva— Ruben Dias—Diogo Leite
Cancelo—Bernardo—Neves—Mendes
Bruno —Ronaldo—Felix

Tarini Prasad Sahoo
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Jerrold Hewson    Tarini Prasad Sahoo
  2. #14528
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I'd replace Neves with Palhinha

Jerrold Hewson
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SupremoGino
  2. #14530
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There shouldn't be much to complain about with this team. There is no point in calling up a player just for the sake of capping.

It's already a good mixture of youth and experience. Diogo Leite, Inácio, António Silva, Mendes all age 24 or...

There shouldn't be much to complain about with this team. There is no point in calling up a player just for the sake of capping.

It's already a good mixture of youth and experience. Diogo Leite, Inácio, António Silva, Mendes all age 24 or younger.

João Mário with the proper guidance is a game changer for those who've been following Benfica this year. Still I'd be shocked if he sees the field unless somebody else gets injured.

Ramos, Félix, Leão, Jota again young and fast players. All 4 have gained some experience and developed continuity with the national team. We need to establish an identity and build cohesion so calling up Beto & Vitinha will only be adding more unnecessary pieces to the puzzle.

As for Ronaldo, I would've been a proponent of him retiring after the World Cup. I guess the only upside to this is Ramos still needing more time to prove unequivocally that he is the better finisher at this stage of their respective careers.

Ronaldo definitely has earned a special match to send him off however and if the Portuguese people have any shame from a footballing perspective he deserves nothing but our gratitude.

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SupremoGino
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Jerrold Hewson    SupremoGino
  2. #14533
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here here

Jerrold Hewson
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dave c    SupremoGino
  2. #14535
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How much longer do we show our gratitude? It's like the liberals with Covid, just cant et go.

dave c
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Santos    dave c
  2. #14541
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Forever. Obviously. Ronaldo will be zooming around in an electric wheel chair in his 80s and we'll still have to be grateful.

Santos
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Rolf Gerber    Santos
  2. #14544
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And when he‘s dead, not only the number 7 will not be used anymore. There’s more needed to show eternal gratitude: Portugal will forever play with only 10 players, to honor Ronaldo and show the respect he deserves. And if you think this is wrong...

And when he‘s dead, not only the number 7 will not be used anymore. There’s more needed to show eternal gratitude: Portugal will forever play with only 10 players, to honor Ronaldo and show the respect he deserves. And if you think this is wrong you are sure full of „inveja“…

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Rolf Gerber
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Santos    Rolf Gerber
  2. #14547
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We won't have to. We'll just install an exoskeleton around his cryogenic chamber.

Santos
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Rolf Gerber
  2. #14531
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Of course the FPF let Martinez know that there is somebody that is the absolute hero in Portugal and that this person has to be called up due to merits in the old days. I'm sure they explained him that a real Portuguese prefers to talk about the...

Of course the FPF let Martinez know that there is somebody that is the absolute hero in Portugal and that this person has to be called up due to merits in the old days. I'm sure they explained him that a real Portuguese prefers to talk about the glory days of the conquerors rather than developing a vision of the future and executing on a strategy. Sure, all good. Sarcasm aside.
They only had to tell Martinez: "You have our backing, the decisions are all yours". And we'd never see Ronaldo again in the NT. But they didn't. CR7 is not even amongst the best 25 Portuguese players and now he will be "Captain" again (Captain Tantrum). Forget the Euro 24 title, Portugal will NEVER make that with this configuration and mindset and when it is more important to keep 50% of the population (the Ronaldetes) from rioting rather than to proof football expertise, then good night. My god, if these guys would run a flourishing company, it would go into bancrupcy within 2 months.
Talking about leadership and how important Ronaldo is for the team is not a joke - It is a disgrace! Ronaldo's influence is indeed huge, but on the negative side. It is absolutely toxic. Heck, all forgotten? The tantrums, the armbands, the selfishness, the ManU interview, his bubble-environment with all the ass-lickers around him? He will bring ALL that into the camp. This team could be world class, but it is again only Ronaldo's servants. Merits of the past do not win titles in the future - should be clear for everyone. How egoistic can you be to sacrifice the team's success for one inflated ego and for "fans" who are following a cult. Greetings from a less glorious past - this reminds me more on Salazarism than glory conquerors.
Where is Beto? Vitinha (Marseille)? Florentino? But he brings Neves... OMG. Santos 2.0. Did Martinez try to bring Rafa back, to terrorize defenders paired with Ramos? How about losing Fabio Carvalho to England?
But all good. Ronaldo is on board. Nothing else matters.

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Rolf Gerber
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dave c    Rolf Gerber
  2. #14534
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Could not have said it better myself. Quite frankly, I'm disappointed in this lineup. I was hoping Martinez would bring in players like Beto, Pedro Goncalves, Fabio Carvalho, Florentino, etc. It's not like these 2 games were against nations...

Could not have said it better myself. Quite frankly, I'm disappointed in this lineup. I was hoping Martinez would bring in players like Beto, Pedro Goncalves, Fabio Carvalho, Florentino, etc. It's not like these 2 games were against nations that are likely to take it to us. Of course no game should be taken for granted but he could have fielded a good lineup without Ronaldo, Neves, and quite honestly Jota. I have also lost hope in Leao who seems to have gotten a huge head recently and lost his way.

As every Seleccao fan, Ronaldo brought much enjoyment to us and finally made nations pay attention to us. We are all grateful for all he has done. However, Martinez had an opportunity here to change course and didn't. This is now getting nauseating and tine to move on was about a year ago.

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dave c
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Neville
  2. #14536
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Looks good with few changes.

Happy to see Diego Leite, need to see David Carmo and Ricardo Pereira in future squad.

At least now the Santos haters will understand how two great coaches think alike while selecting the team.

Whatever we say its...

Looks good with few changes.

Happy to see Diego Leite, need to see David Carmo and Ricardo Pereira in future squad.

At least now the Santos haters will understand how two great coaches think alike while selecting the team.

Whatever we say its the coach who think how to make a team.

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Neville
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Chris    Neville
  2. #14538
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Sorry, just making sure I read that right: are you using "Fernando Santos", "Roberto Martinez" and "great coaches" in the same sentence?

Was that intentional?

Chris
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Neville    Chris
  2. #14542
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Ha ha ha ha,

Neville
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Gee Dee
  2. #14539
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The squad is not a big surprise, Let's see the formation and the style of play...

Gee Dee
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jon/usa
  2. #14540
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It does look like Martinez is planning to experiment with a back three which is fine with me. Our best fullbacks are better suited to operating further up the field as wing backs and with the emergence of Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo...

It does look like Martinez is planning to experiment with a back three which is fine with me. Our best fullbacks are better suited to operating further up the field as wing backs and with the emergence of Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Leite, and Tiago Djalo (the latter 3 are all very well suited to that system) it does make plenty of sense.

I'm just upset that Florentino missed out. He's been absolutely outstanding this season for Benfica - not just in Portugal though but in the Champions League as well, where his defensive metrics have been off the charts. He may lack Neves' passing range and Palhinha's physicality, but he more than makes up for it with his football IQ. His ability to snuff out counter attacks before they happen, counter press high up the pitch, and clog passing lanes with his positioning is world-class. His biggest weakness prior to returning this season was less than stellar press resistance and limited passing range, but under Schmidt he has become far more confident on the ball. He still has a way to go to reach William's class in possession, but I would argue that he is better suited stylistically for a high press, proactive approach than Neves or Palhinha.

Ronaldo and Pepe deserve one last swan song for all they've given the Selecao but I fear Ronaldo in particular will be sticking around longer than he should be. Will his ego allow him to accept the role of a super sub? I doubt it but only time will tell. Ramos and Jota should ahead of Ronaldo for the #9 position as a starter.

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jon/usa
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