The Arab world always deserved a world cup. As an exotic environment and unique culture, i couldn't think of a place more fitting. Their passion for the game is immense. Screw the dissenters.
Just can’t stand the entire process . Not an attack on the people of this nation just that the selection system is so corrupt
We get to play Spain twice in the Nations league. We can field them out plus Portugal intangibles is that they have a multitude of players who could change the game. It will all depends on Santos.
Under normal circumstances group H would be a pretty straight forward group for Portugal and the talent at their disposal (Top 4/5 in the tournament). Uruguay are still a quality team, yet we're far far better than in 2018. Ghana is pretty average this time around compared to the squads they've had in the past, and South Korea are decent but we're far better in basically every position( Son is quality, but we have Jota, Felix, Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva Ronaldo). It would be a great group to gain rhythm, confidence, consistency, and refine tactics before making a deep run into the tournament in attempting to accomplish something truly special, which they have the talent for and should be recognized as such. Then I remember we have never looked threatening under Santos bar a few Nations League matches in 2020 where we demolished Croatia and Sweden twice, and tied France in Paris. We have constantly looked fragile and portray zero dynamic interplay in midfield and attack despite the players available, and continue to be underwhelming. We'll struggle to get out of this group and it wouldn't shock me if we're eliminated. Uruguay will shithouse a win against us via a Darwin winner, Paulo Bento will somehow outcoach Santos and we will fail to avenge the chokejob of the 2002 World Cup where Portugal made their preparations in Macao alongside hookers and blow (true story).
Are you guys really afraid of South Korea and Ghana? Even with Santosball, Portugal should beat them with ease.
3 international tournaments, only 3 victories in 90 minutes. Euro 2016 group stage vs the soccer powers of Iceland, Austria, and Hungary...no wins, only beat Wales in the 90. 2018, lucky to beat Morocco after they played us off the pitch and tied Iran before losing to Uruguay Qualification where we tied Ireland 0-0 and lost to Serbia. When has Portugal under Santos' tutelage ever inspired confidence to ensure results against "inferior" opposition?
They've never lost to or been eliminated by weaker teams under Santos either though (and when I say weaker, I don't count teams like Uruguay or Belgium). I'm not saying they're going to rip through the group, but say Santos wanted to grind out wins against Korea and Ghana, I'm almost certain they would manage it as aggravating as it would be.
I'm not a Santos fan but I give him credit for one thing, he's quick to change his tactics. That was an entertaining game against Uruguay, Portugal played a good game. Both teams had chances and the goals were top level. Sometimes you have to give credit to your opponent. Losing Cavani in the Quarter-finals denied Uruguay an opportunity. The Belgium scored an unbelievable goal and Portugal really dominated that match. Belgium was on their heels the whole second half and Portugal were unlucky not to tie the match. They played a beautiful style of football.
He turtled in the first half and only unlocked the shackles when we were trailing vs Belgium. We win that game if we attacked them from the start. He's far too conservative and one dimensional in his tactics, we're so static in our movement and almost always look underwhelming.
I agree with you on the first half tactics. I have a feeling those defensive tactics are a thing of the past. CR7 is in his ear and that's probably the only reason why he's still in charge. I hope I'm not wrong.
In a weird way going through the playoffs made us a better team. If they would have scrapped through that Serbia game, he will be sticking with the same strategy and an aging Rui Patricio will still be our goal keeper. I'm sure that Ronaldo had a big influence on the lineup and the strategy.
I agree being tested in the group phase could help this team but playing Spain didn't help us in the 2nd round.