Don't forget about Carlos martin he is going to be the backup for Deco at the world cup I am sure of it. Fernandes is in the outside looking in and If im Scolari I would choose Moutinho and Martins because of them being consistent.
True....Striker position doesn't fare to well if you look into past National competitons... . Regarding Manny making the WC team. I think it will happen. Espically since Costinha is now found himself in a little trouble. Also Tiago does not play the same Position as Manuel Fernandes...Tiago is trying to take Deco's spot...Mendes...hes okay. Manuel Fernandes is more capable on defense and is alot better offensively then Mendes.
manny doesn't play that pure DM role and tiago doesnt play deco's role. maniche, deco, and mendes all play that sort of box-to-box role where petit and costinha take that pure DM role. costinha is over the hill though, but there are some good replacements around as well, such as custodio and perhaps even meireles who has had a run of some pretty good games.
I agree with you that Manny Doesnt play that pure CDM role. But thats his offense leaking in. He usually gets back quickly though. Deco is an attacking midfeilder, he wont retreat all the way to the box the same way Maniche would. I have to admit I have hardly seen Tiago play, but it was led me to believe that he plays the same role as Deco in Lyon. Now regarding mendes...you guys can't be serio. You guys noticed him in one game against Manchester United and suddently think he should get a spot? I have seen a handfull of his games and that was his first "standout" game. Hell I would take Petit over Mendes and y'all know how I feel about that french fry and with that said I would take Manny over the French fry!
lol, mendes has just moved to portsmouth now and has done well. he was unsetlled in tottenham and out of sorts with the coach and played bad. but if he can continue this form with portsmouth, he is quality. also, don't forget that manny has been in some bad form, although he is getting better and better, but so is mendes. just a final word on lyon, juninho plays deco's role, tiago plays the Maniche-style role.
defensive midfield, his position when Deco was suspended for two games, Scolari try Tiago and Ronaldo at his position they were both terrible that's why Moutinho, Carlos Martins got a good chance of making the national team. defensive midfielders we got Costinha, Petit and then Tiago, Custodio could also be on standby
he will be a good back up for Deco here is a photo Carlos Martins http://www.lpfp.pt/default.aspx?SqlPage=pessoa&PessoaId=12162
Good article on Deco. Says he expects C. Ronaldo to be one of the best players in the World Cup and that he just wants to win the Cup rather than being the best player on the team. Interview is in Portuguese: http://esporte.uol.com.br/copa/2006/ultnot/portugal/2006/04/21/ult3650u11.jhtm
Nice article here from fifaworldcup.com http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060509/1/6q82.html interview/ look at decos career, good read
Great Read. Even though we have a little bit of issues with Portugal regarding form and injuries. I really like the group, loyalty and determinations goes along way when you have the talent they have.
Good Luck to Deco for tonights Champions League Final vs Arsenal. Deco is looking to be a two time CL Champ Boa Sorte Deco. http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/european/article485421.ece
Yeah I hope Deco plays well. This has to be one of the most anticipated games in a while. Henry Vs Dinho!
So far Bracelona is being robbed 1-0 Arsenal at the half when the score should be reversed if the ref knew what he was doing.
Not a particularly good game from Deco, but Barcelona have nonetheless come away with the CL, giving Deco his 2nd winner's medal in 3 yrs.
YOU ARE MAD!!! Does Deco have to score for it to be a good game? his passes all connected B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L-L-Y, never lost the ball just amazing. Deco was the best palyer for Barca while 'Dinho was absolutley the worst. PARABENS DECO!!! 2 Time CL Winner.
Yeah Deco played wonderfully. I would say it was between Deco and Eto'o for Barcelona's best player on the field. Although Dinho didnt have a very good game, he was still better then most on the field.
I don't know about best player, he was ok, just not particularly good relative to his usual high standards. Eto'o was a menace all night and I think had a better game and Larsson made a huge impact when he came in too.
absolutely...Deco...2 time European Champion...something most players cannot boast...including all 22 on the field today. Parabens...e graças a Deus que ele nao-se lesionou phew
Henry had a good game too, unlucky not to score. (better perf than Ronaldinho) but congrats to Deco for winning the CL there are alot of Deco haters out there (none in this forum but out there there are many, such as the espn commentators who love to recite 2 minute speeches about Deco's diving everytime they see him on the ground) but despite what you think about Deco, one thing cannot be denied and that he always seems to be on the winning team, he is a successful player and hopefully he helps give the NT some success in Germany.