Twenty years after his debut at Euro 2004, held in Portugal, and eight years after the Seleção was crowned champion of Euro 2016, the Madeira native is preparing to play in his sixth European Championship, a new record for participation in a European Championship for someone who already holds the title. Title. World record for selections (206) and goals (128) for the national team.
Without any major surprise, the Lusitanian squad is also characterized by the absence of Rafael Guerrero, who withdrew due to injury, and the inclusion of young winger Francisco Conceicao, who plays for FC Porto on the orders of his father, Sergio Conceicao. coach.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr since the 2022 World Cup where he lost his undisputed starting place, has once again become a key piece for Martinez, the successor to Fernando Santos, thanks to an impeccable qualification.
With ten wins in as many matches and a score of 36 goals to two, Portugal once again found its top scorer in the qualifiers in Cristiano Ronaldo (10 goals in 9 matches).
Leasing
“The player who scored 42 goals in 41 matches for his club”
Martinez felt that the striker continued to deliver
“Quality in front of goal that we really value and need.”
Before facing the Czech Republic, Turkey and then Georgia in Group F of the Euro, which will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, the Seleção will play preparatory matches against Finland, Croatia and Ireland.
In addition to Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez selected strikers Rafael Leao, Joao Felix and Gonzalo Ramos, as well as Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao.
Creativity in the midfield will be the responsibility of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Otavio, while recovery will be the responsibility of Joao Palinha, Ruben Neves or Joao Neves.
Ruben Dias will form the backbone of the defense, along with Danilo Pereira, Antonio Silva and Gonzalo Inacio. Veteran Bibi (41 years old) was also called under his command
“An important role in the locker room”
Martinez explained.
The Lusitanian group also includes full-backs Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot and Nelson Semedo.
The Portuguese goal will be defended by goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who will have Rui Patricio and Jose Sa as substitutes.
List of 26 players selected for the Portugal national team
List of 26 players selected for the Portugal national team
Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patricio (Roma, Italy), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton, England).
Joao Cancelo (Barcelona, Spain), Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton, England), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United, England), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Ruben Dias (Manchester City, England), Antonio Silva (Benfica), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting, Portugal). ), Pepe (Porto), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain).
Joao Balenha (Fulham, England), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Joao Neves (Benfica, Lisbon), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Otavio Montero (Al-Nasr, Saudi Arabia), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, England). Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/England).
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia), Rafael Leao (AC Milan, Italy), Joao Felix (Barcelona, Spain), Gonzalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Diogo Jota (Liverpool, England), Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton, England). – Francisco Conceicao (Porto).
