Will it be the fifth time lucky for arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time? This is one question that every Portugal national football team follower has in his or her mind right now as Cristiano Ronaldo gears up to lace his boots for one last dance at FIFA World Cup. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's previous four appearances in the quadrennial global competition didn't go according to plans but the fifth and probably the final participation carries a small chance of a fairytale ending for the Portuguese phenomenon.
This time the outlook of Portugal's squad is completely different as they probably boast the best squad they have ever had in a FIFA World Cup. Apart from Ronaldo, Fernando Santos will have the luxury of exceptional players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Cancelo among several others, who have been performing tremendously for their respective clubs in Europe's top five leagues.
Before moving forward, let's take a look at Portugal's schedule and squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
November 24: Portugal vs Ghana
November 28: Portugal vs Uruguay
December 02: Portugal vs South Korea
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Patricio
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Mario, Matheus Nunes, Vitinha, William Carvalho, Otavio
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Ricardo Horta, Goncalo Ramos, Andre Silva
A thorough glance at Portugal's squad is enough for a staunch football follower to term A Selecao as a contender for the biggest trophy in the sport. Having said that, the 2016 Euro champions have, at times, struggled to find cohesiveness which has ultimately led to their downfall in clutch moments.
Ahead of the tournament, we take a closer look at the strength and deficiencies of Portugal's national team.
Match-winners in every position
Portugal is a side loaded with match-winners in every position. It is a team that has a good blend of youth and experience. Ronaldo will be ably supported by the in-form Rafael Leao from AC Milan, as well as the young Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. This is Felix's time to shine, having been called a generational talent for over four years now.
Their midfield, on paper, is the most skillful. Boasting the likes of multiple Premier League winner Bernardo Silva, United's midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes, and long-time pivot William Carvalho, this midfield is a remnant of the side that clinched the Euros in 2016. The presence of defensively solid players Ruben Neves, Vitinha and Joao Mario also make Portugal sure-shot qualifiers for the knockouts.
Defensive deficiencies
While there is no shortage of attacking talent in Portugal's squad for the FIFA World Cup, the A Selecao's defence has been shaky at times. Ruben Dias and his City teammate Joao Cancelo, are the main men in the back four, but the inclusion of an erratic Pepe will remind fans of the infamous headbutt in 2014 against Germany in the Group stage. Their goalkeeping situation is also under scrutiny, with the reins most likely being handed to young shot-stopper Diogo Costa.
Pepe is likely to partner with Dias in the backline. Though the former Real Madrid man brings a wealth of experience, one cannot expect a 39-year-old to deal with young forwards of opposition teams on a regular basis. Diogo Dalot has had a wonderous season for Manchester United so far but with Cancelo in the side, Dalot might have to wait for his turn unless Portugal's manager decides to put either of the two at left-back. But a move like this can backfire quickly and taking chance at a stage like FIFA World Cup can be devastating. Nuno Mendes has played beautiful football for Paris Saint-Germain this season and Fernando Santos might stick with him as the left-back instead of Raphael Guerreiro.
With so much talent at his disposal, Fernando Santos' management skills will be put to a stern test once again. The 68-year-old has his hands full and with Ronaldo in the squad, the world is bound to follow Portugal closely in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
