It's not the country but rather the player. I'm sure they will do the same thing for Messi. It's still up to Portugal and we know they have the ability to choke and lose to a crappy team, even at home.
True, but by this time, and for the good of Portugal in every way actually, in my observation, Ronaldo is synonymous with Portugal, is why i pointed out the country.
I think Switzerland is at even strength with Italy. Both teams would be equally tough to beat in a playoff. It would go to penalties for sure. It's mind boggling that Santos had the guts to say his team will be in Qatar in that press conference after yesterdays loss. Has he not taken a look at the playoff format? What a clown.
Santos after being eliminated by Belgium: "We're going to challenge for the World Cup!" Santos after losing to Serbia at home, the cherry on top of an awful qualification campaign: "I believe we'll be in Qatar" My how things change.
The Swiss are winning against Bulgaria, while Italy are tied with Northern Ireland. As of right now, Italy are going to the playoffs.
The Swiss light up Bulgaria 4-0, while Italy held to a scoreless draw only. Potential match up getting closer to reality
Sweden is also tough. With this new playoff format its likely if we get past the 1st round we're likely getting one of the seeded teams in the 2nd.
I'm hoping for Macedonia, and after Scotland...but even that is iffy with this team right now. In the semi's it won't, that is a certainty, but in the final? You never know, there have to be 2 seeded teams placed in all 3 groups, what is preventing Italy and Portugal from being in the same group? I do not think it will happen, for reasons we discussed earlier , wink, wink, but you never know...
Italy Is in the playoffs now. I watched the second half and I can understand some Italian since my ex wife was Italian (and was smoking hot btw). They we’re mentioning Portugal and saying they don’t want to play us. I don’t want to play them either .
Ronaldo was stated that despite the disappointment of yesterday that they will get to the Qatar 2022.
With all due respect Zeta, screw these games, I'm more interested in your ex !!!...lol...I kid, but yeah, would be crazy to finally! Finally! After a few shouda's and coulda's potential match-ups with Italy over the years to meet them here with a world cup berth on the line, still say it ain't happening though, may be a good thing too...especially in the GTA
You know what piss me off most about Santos, is the fact he played a defensive lineup against Ireland. He then turned around and played a 4-3-3 when the Serbians were packing their midfield and the cherry on the cake he played two forwards who don't track back to play defense. Can someone tell me, if this is a lineup for playing for a tie. Secondly, when things were starting to go bad he had ample time to change things up. He could have swapped out Moutinho for either Palhinha or Fernandes. After giving up the lead, he didn't change anything up at half time. You figure he will bring in Joao Felix for Jota especially when both Sanches and Silva was giving the Serbian defense fits in the counter. I would have loved to see Felix, Silva and Sanches play together yesterday. We need a new coach immediately.
I’m now a MGTOW. She found a rich Jew involved in banking. Not that I’m A bum but I work hard for my money and make a good (nothing special) living . I went to school and all that crap. stick to the Portuguesas is my advice even if they are fat which they mostly are. forca Portugal !
Ive seen other folks post This but let me reiterate: Santos and 4-3-3 doesn’t mix. He sucks at coaching that system. We won the euros with a narrow diamond 4-4-2. I say we run a similar system Or switch to a 3-4-3 /3-5-2 which has become in vogue in recent seasons . For example, Sporting under Amorim and now benfica play this way as well as many German teams and Atalanta.
Everyone is blaming Santos. Why don't you all put some blame Rui Patricio for not catching a ball shot right at him. If he saves that ball they are in the world cup. He has to be replaced. You can't make a mistake like that in a game like this. That is not world class. Another reason for the loss which is not Santos's fault is leaving two Serbians open on the far post to score there second goal. I'm sure he didn't tell them to do that.
Patricio was also the reason we lost to Belgium. He should have saved that goal. Rui Patricio is now rotting in Italy while we have Jose Sa being battle tested in the best league in the world. It will probably take a new manager to switch goalkeepers.