Portugal is traveling to the World Cup in Qatar with the 37-year-old striker Cristiano Ronaldo and the two Bundesliga professionals Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund) and André Silva (RB Leipzig).
In addition to Ronaldo, the 26-man squad announced by coach Fernando Santos includes nine other players from clubs in the English premier league be under contract. Including the playmaker Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United.
Not included is the former Bayern professional Renato Sanches (Paris SG). The non-consideration of old star João Moutinho (36) was also surprising Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Regardless of the names and the discussions about whether this or that should be there, I hope that all Portuguese will support the national team”, explained coach Santos. The coach who led Portugal to the European Championship title in 2016 gave the Seleção fans hope: “I think we can be world champions.”
Portugal will face Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H in Qatar. At the last two World Cups, the team failed in the round of 16.