Both Federations have agreed to play the game in Switzerland. This is a very important game as Portugal plays vs Slovakia on March 30 2004. Our National team will play Ireland on Febuary 9 2005 in Dublin
I'm not sure if its possible...but this would b a good opportunity to call up Almeida, Quaresma, Viana or Carlos Martins(whos ever on better form for SCP), Bosingwa, Jorge Ribeiro, Rocha, Ricardo Costa, Moreira, and Bruno Vale.
It would be nice to see the younger up-and-comers get a chance to show us what they can do. However, I doubt Scolari would call up these guys, at least not all in one shot. The game with Ireland is a friendly anyway, it could be good for these guys.
The only conflict among the list of names is Almeida and Quaresma. But...I think Quaresma could be called up to the Senior team. Almeida though...he's too important for the Under-21's and their only good scorer.
I don't see it happen, it will be a good warm up game for the regulars the will be playing against Slovakia, many of the players mention will be with the U21, they have a game on the 29 one day before the seniors
Unfortunatley, with the Under-21 gang playing competitive matches during this time period, it wold be impossible to give all of these youngsters a chance at the "AA" level. Besides, with an important match against Slovakia 4 days later, we need a strong pool of players as the Slovaka match will be key to winning this WC 06 qualifying group. Once the spot in Germany has been booked, Portugal will be able to relax and give others a shot. Until then, it is full steam ahead with the strongest available players.
I agree, also I don't see Scolari making a lot changes, its time we get a solid team, we can't keep spending time trying new players, when our main goal is to qualify we went to the WC 02 with a lot questions, its time we get a solid team, with minor changes