23 for 2010 – Portugal: World Cup squad analysis

24 May, 2010 Ben S Internationals, Latest, World Cup

23 for 2010

Portugal finished qualifying strongly, having had a difficult start that saw them behind Denmark, Sweden and Hungary in their group. However a strong finish and a play-off victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina meant that Portugal will compete in South Africa. Below I will analyse Carlos Queiroz’ provisional squad selections and the players emitted from the squad who may would have been in Queiroz’ thoughts.

Goalkeepers

In Braga’s Eduardo, Portugal have found a goalkeeper who they can have much faith in. Six consecutive clean sheets in recent games have displayed why Portugal should have so much confidence in their Number One. Eduardo has also featured on a regular basis for Braga and his excellent season is one reason why Braga challenged Benfica so closely.

It was Benfica’s veteran goalkeeper Quim who was favourite to go to South Africa, having served as an understudy numerous times before, however Queiroz has sprung a surprise by including two goalkeepers with limited experience. Daniel Fernandes of Greek side Iraklis is clearly a goalkeeper that Queiroz rates highly and will be in contention with Porto’s Beto in South Africa if injury strikes Eduardo.

Beto earned his call after a late run of games in the season which saw Rui Patricio and Hilario miss out to their disappointment. This is certainly one squad selection that turned a number of heads as if Eduardo is struck by an injury Queiroz will have to call on a relatively inexperienced and untested goalkeeper.

Defenders

Portugal will be bitterly disappointed that Jose Bosingwa will not feature in South Africa after he has failed to recover from a torrid season of injuries. Likely to fill the void left is his Chelsea’s teammate Paulo Ferreira. Ferreira possesses a wealth of experience on the international stage and his ability to cover on both flanks will be vital. Despite being a target for much criticism, Portugal will be buoyed by Ferreira’s run of games in the business end of the season for Chelsea.

The right back berth is one that is hard to predict as in competition with Ferreira is Valencia’s Miguel. Ferreira featured in both play-off encounters with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Miguel has fell down the pecking order at Valencia leaving Ferreira likely to start against the Ivory Coast. Ferreira will also benefit from knowledge of the Chelsea contingent representing Ivory Coast.

On the left side Queiroz has persisted with the selection of unorthodox left backs. Duda has been included as expected and looks set to continue, adapting to play out of his more accomplished left wing role. Although better known for his contributions further forward; most particularly with set pieces, Duda has prospered in filling the defensive void and was key to Portugal’s late flourish in qualifying.

Also selected with the left back position in mind is Fabio Coentrao who had an impressive season filling such a position for Portuguese champions Benfica. Another left winger by trade, Coentrao will be better adapted to the role, and his excellent form will put pressure on Duda to start well.

With two attack minded wingers selected, it is evident that Queiroz may look to exploit the flanks but some may question opportunities for fellow group members Brazil and Ivory Coast to target potential defensive frailties. This may be one of the main catalysts for the surprise inclusion of Ricardo Costa as his versatility allows him to cover any of the positions along the backline.

In the middle of Portugal’s backline Queiroz raised no eyebrows with his inclusion of Ricardo Carvalho and Bruno Alves. Despite an injury plagued season for Carvalho, his return to fitness is well timed and this will allow Portugal to field a reliable core and undoubtedly one of the best defensive partnerships at the World Cup, having helped Portugal achieve such a fantastic defensive record.

Both players have contrasting styles and complement each other perfectly by playing to each other’s strengths. Back up here will be provided by Porto’s Rolando who impressive performances has earned him a well deserved spot. Ricardo Costa will also be on standby to cover at the back. Ze Castro is another one who is surprisingly included despite just one previous cap. It is him who may also cover the defensive midfield role but many will say he should be the one unlucky player to be dropped from the squad if Pepe is fit. In my squad, Ze Castro is the man I have omitted, as his inclusion is a questionable one in my own opinion.

Midfielders

Portugal’s midfield is likely to be formed of a trio of players behind an attacking three. The first of these players will be a defensive midfielder player who will look to stop opposition advances and kick-start attacks. Portugal will be holding their breath that Pepe will be able to fill this position having thrived in previous experiences in the role. Pepe has been battling against a cruciate knee ligament injury to be fit for South Africa and his inclusion in the 24 man squad suggests that Portugal are quietly confident that he will make it.

If Pepe does not make South Africa or is not fit for the beginning, then Portugal’s anchor position will be contested between Pedro Mendes or Miguel Veloso, both of Sporting. The latter of whom may well be dropped from the 24 pending on Pepe’s injury status. Some may question Pedro Mendes’ ability to defend, hence the selection of Miguel Veloso has been commended as he offers a more rounded option, particularly in a season where he came close to living up to some of the hype that has followed him through his career.

Raul Meireles is the man who is set to be trusted with the next of Queiroz’ position come the 15^th of June. Queiroz’ confidence in Meireles is epitomised by the Porto mans everpresent record in qualifying and Queiroz is clearly a fan of the Porto mans excellent range of passing. Putting pressure on Meireles will be Tiago who has won many plaudits for his professionalism and consistency that Tiago carries with him. Tiago may not be quite as technically able as many of the Portuguese players, but his example and attitude will be crucial for the upcoming tournament.

Missing out is Sporting’s Joao Moutinho who certainly has not prospered in a season that saw Sporting 36 points adrift of winners Benfica. Having been strongly touted to go before this season, Moutinho will be bitterly disappointed that his form caused Queiroz to look elsewhere although his decision seems well justified.

The final spot within the midfield role will be the more advanced playmaker role. Deco looks certain to fill this role if he stays injury-free. Deco undoubtedly possesses the ability to change games and his vision will be vital when looking to unlock opposition defences. South Africa may well be the last opportunity for Deco to sparkle on the world stage with retirement from international and a return to Brazil seemingly imminent. He has certainly shone in major tournaments previously and Portugal will be hoping he can recapture this form.

Portugal will however be disappointed that injury hit Ruben Micael, whose excellent form for Porto established him as a real future hope on the international stage. Micael had really established himself with Nacional winning an award commending him as ‘revelation of the year’ before a move to Porto and despite injury ruling him out of this World Cup, he will certainly be one to look out for in the not too distant future.

Carlos Martins was another touted but he did not do enough to convince Queiroz which means back up is set to come from the versatility of Portugal’s excellent front line, or Queiroz could utilise the likes of Coentrao and Duda’s versatility if required.

Forwards

Simao would be the most likely to drop into midfield as he appears the most versatile, but he is more likely to be employed on one of the flanks. Simao looks set to be battling with Nani for just one position, with a dilemma posed after both showed their quality this season.

Simao was a key catalyst to Atletico’s Europa League success, whilst Nani has had his most successful season in England to date. The scorer of a number of key goals, Nani stood out in the wake of the well documented departure of a fellow Portuguese man to Madrid. Simao seems likely to be the man trusted as he brings a greater consistency with him, however Nani will be key as an impact sub and if any injuries strike.

Danny was a slight surprise inclusion but it was argubably deserved having recaptured some of the form that saw him bought for a fee of €30 million before being hit by an injury. Venezuelan born Danny is one who could also fill any voids left by injury and it is his versatility that looks to have swayed Queiroz over other options. Silvestre Varela was another touted to be a wildcard choice but an injury ruled his chances out.

The reason why they are fighting for just one place, and the reason Nani has had more opportunities at Manchester United, is because of the excellent Cristiano Ronaldo. A relatively quiet season headlines-wise (not goalwise) by Ronaldo may well end with a boom. Lionel Messi has amassed worldwide admirers and Ronaldo seems to have fell in the diminutive Argentines shadows slightly. What more of a chance though, then in South Africa for Ronaldo to re-establish himself as the world’s best. Ronaldo is sure to thrive under such expectation and will be paramount to any success that Portugal achieve.

Portugal familiarly line up with one man leading the attack, Pauleta, Nuno Gomes and even Helder Postiga players who have done this in recent major tournaments. This year however it will be Brazilian born Liedson set to lead the line.

Immediately after becoming eligible Liedson was selected and now will be crucial for Portugal. Liedson is a goal scorer and has been prolific for Sporting leading to little questioning on his ability to lead the Portuguese line. If Liedson is hit by injury or if Queiroz opts for something different in a front two, Ronaldo is the man most likely to join him, however Hugo Almeida will be on standby as he a physical presence that cannot be provided elsewhere.

Almeida will be very effective at unsettling defenders if given the chance and his contrasting style to Liedson means the two may form a useful partnership if given the opportunity alongside each other. Queiroz surprised a few by including no other options as the likes of Edinho and the veteran Nuno Gomes miss out.

(photo by mas6oola on Flickr)