Coach Roberto Martinez today announces Portugal’s squad for the final phase of Euro 2024 football. This list shouldn’t come with any major surprises, especially after UEFA increased the roster to 26 players.
The selection of the Spanish coach will be announced at 13:00 at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, although the final list may undergo changes before June 7, the deadline set by UEFA for the registration of players who will take part in the tournament, which will be held in Germany. .
Taking into account the recent increase from 23 to 26 (with 23 as a minimum and 26 as a maximum) by the organization responsible for the tournament, and also taking into account the choices Martinez made throughout the qualifying stage, as well as in the recent friendlies with Sweden and Slovenia – , the 50-year-old coach is unlikely to be able to surprise, although anything is possible.
In goal, the Spanish coach will undoubtedly choose Diogo Costa, the Porto goalkeeper whom Roberto Martinez has publicly named as the owner of the Portuguese goal, Rui Patricio, the record holder for the most caps in this sector, and José Sa.
In central defence, Antonio Silva, Danilo, Gonzalo Inacio, Toti Gomes, Ruben Dias and Pepe also have what it takes to start packing their bags for Germany, although Porto’s 41-year-old centre-back always has age restrictions. related, which forced him to take part in only one game during the entire qualifying stage.
Despite this, Martinez has praised the importance of the now-historic centre-back on several occasions, not only for his position on the pitch, but also for the weight he carries in the dressing room.
On the flanks, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes and Raphael Guerreiro also seem to be in a suitable position, while Nelson Semedo could also feature, especially due to the physical problems Mendes or Guerreiro have had throughout the season.
Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palinha, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva are the undisputed names in the midfield of the Martinez era, as is Joao Neves, as well as Matheus Nunez, who may also have a place thanks to the UEFA affiliation. places.
Strikers Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Rafael Lean and Gonçalo Ramos will only miss Euro 2024 if something unexpected happens, while Diogo Jota and Ricardo Horta are also virtually guaranteed, but only if they are in good physical shape, which puts them on the list of doubtful. along with Matheus Nunez, although for different reasons.
From his debuts in March, even in the 2-0 defeat to Slovenia, Francisco Conceicao seemed to leave a very good impression on Martinez, who has repeatedly explained that the winger “has unique characteristics” compared to the rest of the players. . National.
For this reason, Conceicao, who has had a great second half of the season for the Dragons, could be a big surprise in Portugal’s bid for the next European Championship.
At Euro 2024, Portugal will compete in Group F along with the Czech Republic (June 18, in Leipzig), Turkey (June 22, in Dortmund) and Georgia (June 26, in Gelsenkirchen).
Before leaving for German soil, the national team will play three preparatory games against Finland (June 4, at the José Alvalade Stadium), Croatia (June 8, at the National Stadium) and Ireland (June 11, in Aveiro). .
Euro 2024 will take place from June 14 to July 14.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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