Dunno how people think Nuno Mendes is bad. He's the left back for the next 10 years. Going forward he gives so much. Sure maybe his positioning sometimes is off but most attacking full backs these days need to be covered by the centerbacks or DM's
Am I the only guy who is afraid of watching the 90 minutes tomorrow against Ghana? I don't remember Santos ever getting right his best eleven for the first games of the tournament. Problem is that if we don't win tomorrow we are in big trouble.
Portugal should show no fear, nerves is what makes you weak... I'm actually excited to see if Leao/Ramos/Felix will have chemistry. Ronaldo, sorry bro, best if you sit on the bench. Only way to see this team's potential.
One good thing is they won't underestimate the Ghana side since they played the third game in 2014 needing goal differential as I recall but didn't get it done. So many young players with their first WC appearances after being in top leagues won't shrink under the lights either. There's a difference between confidence and overexcited foolhardiness although it's hard to tell them apart of you don't know the players.
Take a page out of Japan, Spain, Canada (even though they lost they outplayed Belgium). Play with no fear and trust in the talent you have.
At least he's actually playing LB for Dortmund these days. He was terrible four years ago, but that was a combination of a lack of fitness returning from injury and almost never playing LB for his club.
Sat here watching the the other match and got butterflies nerves starting up a very even match, we will not have it easy in any of the matches. Will miss our game will be at work so will be listening on the radio a bag of nerves.
Starting XI Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Danilo, Raphael Guerreiro; Rúben Neves, Otávio, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes; Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix. Pretty attacking lineup! I'm thinking 4-4-2 diamond here.
Ronaldo isn't fit enough to play with ManU, but is fit enough to start for Portugal at a WC. Exactly why?
Clearly this isn't the best starting XI. I anticipate a sluggish, slow game from Portugal. The midfield is bit lightweight.
Nuno Mendes better not be fully fit if he's not starting. Decent line-up otherwise. All we can ask is that Santos shows some ambition, especially with the draw earlier today. The midfield is fine.