We are almost there. After more than four years of waiting, the 2022 World Cup has finally resumed in Qatar. This winter, no less than 32 nations will compete to conquer the planet, as the French team did in 2018. Among the favorites are Portugal, the 2016 European champion and a fantastic team. Despite some difficulties in the qualifications, the Portuguese will travel to Qatar for the world title.
Eligibility: Portugal Heat!
The path of the Lusitanians to qualify for the 2022 World Cup is full of pitfalls. While everything is going well in Group A of the qualifiers, there is still the final for first place against Serbia at the Stadium of Light.
The two teams share 17 points and Portugal has a slightly better goal difference after good results against Ireland, Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan. While everything went well for the Portuguese when Renato Sanchez opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, Serbia responded in the 33rd minute and thanks to Tadic, Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Serbia the win and promotion in the last-minute qualifier.
Therefore, it was necessary to go through the play-off for the band to reach Cristiano Ronaldo. While the Portuguese may have been worried when the draw was made that they might have to face Italy in the playoff final, the road was easier than expected. After a great game against Turkey (3-1), the Portuguese faced Northern Macedonia, who beat Italy 1-0 and were not challenged by their opponents. Bruno Fernandes’ double sealed Portugal’s qualification for the World Cup.
Team: A complete team
For the World Cup, Portugal will be able to count on a complete team and very great individuals in all positions. Its goalkeeper Rui Patricio (Roma) should be accompanied by the duo Pepe-Ruben Dias. PSG man Danilo Pereira can also play the role of a central defender if his body fails, although he is primarily a midfielder. Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Jose Fonte (Lille), Rafael Guerrero (Dortmund), and Cedric Suarez (Arsenal) Na) can also appear in the back line. Nice people.
In the midfield, the Portuguese can also rely on good foundations. Bruno Fernandez (Manchester United), Moutinho (Wolves), Otavio (Porto), Virginia (Paris Saint-Germain), Carvalho (Betis), and others were present. Finally, on the offensive line, very good individuals will play. If Diogo Jota (Liverpool) is sent off, Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Rafael Leo (AC Milan), Andre Schiller Watts (RB Leipzig), or Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) will lead the attack. Impressive, at least on paper.
Team: The best team, but…
If Portugal emerges as the favorite of their group, they will have to pay special attention to the teams that make up their group. Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea will face the Portuguese Fernando Santos in that order. While the Ayew brothers’ Ghana appeared as the first test in the opening match, Uruguay, who also eliminated the Lusitania in the round of 16 in 2018, will also be a formidable opponent. In the end, Son Heung-min’s South Korean team may be more approachable, but don’t take the risk of playing the last high-risk game for Ronaldo and his partner.
