i cant imagine Guerreiro will be fit in time... do you or anyone else have an update on his foot? am aware it is just a bone bruise of sorts. Silva should be fine, took him out at HT as precautionary, he himself has let the world know via instagram that he is fine and will be good to go. Cedric as pointed out can be dealt with as Semedo is quality as well. If guerreiro isnt fit, i would almost want to throw Cedric/Semedo as LB/RB... these are professionals, surely if wingers can switch sides during the game and be effective, so can wing backs.
I remember a game that Miguel played left back and had to make a circle around the ball whenever he wanted to cross. Some can play both fullback positions. Not all can. Nelsinho hasn't played on the left to my knowledge, not sure on Cedric. Would rather just use Eliseu a natural left back. Got to get a backup to Rafa for next summer though. Maybe Coentrao will regain his form at Sporting.
Eliseu, though not Raphael, had a pretty good showing vs the rugby guys. I'm far more concerned about the middle of the back line.
According to the latest news, Cedric should be back while Raphaël and Bernardo Silva won't even be able to participate in the training session on Monday, and will most likely not be available for Wednesday
I agree. He's not as bad as many people make him sound. He might not be the most glamorous player, but when called up to play, he does not mess up.
Yeah, it's getting really bad. We should have tested Danilo in that position in friendlies. It would be a very good insurance policy if it worked out. It's a huge waste of defensive talent to leave him on the bench.
Where are you hearing this news on Bernardo Silva? I am not sure i would trust Gelson Martins to step into the RW position in a game of this importance, and if he truly cant play, would likely prefer to see Quaresma get the start on the RW.
I hope Fernando Santos watches the Chile v Australia game. The Aussies scored one and could have scored a few more from winning possession when Chile were playing out from the GK and defenders into the midfielders. The Australian midfielders aggressively pressed the Chilean midfielders every time they received the ball with their back to the goal.
I think Chile sniffed glue before the game or something. How they were giving the ball away was pretty funny to me. I think a few of them were high. They impressed me against Germany and were the marginally better side, but they were a horror show against Australia.
Yeah, it is now all over the Portuguese websites. Raphael and Bernardo did not train and not expected to play v Chile. This could be a HUGE blow. Bernardos creativity and work rate down the flanks is irreplaceable at this point. As previously mentioned , i think if Bernardo doesnt play.. Quaresma will get the start. What does everyone think? Quaresma the guy to start? are you comfortable with Quaresma starting v Chile? i think i have more faith in him then Gelson at the moment.
Bernardo Silva is an extraordinary player, lefties aren't easily replaced. Let's not forget he was nearly never a starter until the game against Russia. Maybe moving Quaresma or Gelson to the left side could be a solution, but might prove uneasy for them. André Gomes is also a possibility, he isn't fast but has good physical presence which will be a key factors against the tiny chileans.
Pepe will be going to miss the most,am not seeing the current port defenders stoping the chilian's Though Ronaldo's knockout/big games perfo recently can be a hope for port.You can expect him to score a goal from nowhere mostly from a set piece or corner
The psychological aspect will come into play, too. Sounds like the chileans feel pretty confident and align with the conversation "Portugal won the Euro 2016 but was lucky", "Portugal relies on CR7 because all the other players suck" etc etc
I am getting a little nervous about this game. I am also confused about the possible line up for this game.. do you go technical? if so, i am sure the hot head Vidal will be forced into a red card at some point with his idiotic challenges. Do you go with size? if so, maybe Gomes fits back into the team (unfortunately). ------Ronaldo---------------Silva Gomes--Adrien--William--Quaresma? It is a shame it doesnt appear all Portuguese eyes are glued on this tournament. I have spoken to a few buddies who have said 'why would i watch confed cup?' ... sad world.
Yes, the confederation cup is to national teams what the intertoto cups was to clubs a few years back.
Yup and it looks like some more fighting words from Vidal. > http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/5...do-is-a-smart-ass-to-me-he-doesnt-exist-vidal I really hope Portugal make them pay for this cockiness.