Portugal to meet England, September 7

He has had a couple of disappointing club seasons, but the guy produces for the seleccao. You have to give him that. Look at his strike rate and then compare it with other Portuguese players in histroy. I would think his rates up there with just about anyones (with the exception of Eusebio).

 

I really think there will be room for the two of them for the next couple of year. First, Viana is ONLY 19! Taking over the #10 position is a lot of pressure. Second, all reports from out of Italy are that Rui Costa is back in form. I have to imagine that he is both pissed off and embarrassed with the kind of season he had last year, culminating in a DNP in the South Korea game.

Why can't the seleccao have both of them on the field, with Viana taking over the midfield position of Paulo Bento? I think he would play a little more forward than Bento, but he would have to cover defensively, which would be good for his development.

 

Frank,

The first team very well could be Portugal's starting 11 for WC 2006. I like that team, potentially wtih Caneira replacing Beto.

The second team very well could be the starting team for Euro 2004. I would replace Frechaut for Abel; Nuno Gomes for Pauleta; and I would find room for Rui Costa, who will be heard from at the international level. Other than that, it looks good.

Also, where does Nuno Gomes fit into this??