Ricardo Quaresma celebrates his Confederations Cup opening goal with Cristiano Ronaldo, who assisted him, in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Mexico in Kazan, Russia.
Portugal open up their World Cup campaign on Friday in Sochi against Iberian neighbors Spain. This clash is considered one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage at this World Cup. Here are three players to keep an eye on during this tournament.
Bernardo Silva: The 23-year-old was an important player in his first season with Manchester City. The playmaker made 35 appearances and scored 6 goals in the process. Having missed out on Euro 2016 due to injury, the midfielder is hoping to make up for it in Russia. Silva is often played out wide on the right side, but he often drifts inside to play the ball on his favored left foot allowing him to create chances for the two up top. Though Silva is not a productive goal scorer he is becoming a key player for Portugal.
Gonçalo Guedes: The 21-year-old spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Valencia, playing a big part in Los Che qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in three years. A talented dribbler, offering pace and an eye for goal, Guedes has the ability to make a name in Russia. Guedes scored five goals in his debut La Liga season, and made nine assists, the most of any Valencia player. Guedes made just one substitute appearance in the World Cup qualifying campaign, but a brace in Portugal’s final warm-up match a 3-0 victory over Algeria certainly forces Fernando Santos to possibly partner him with Cristiano Ronaldo in the group stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo: As Portugal’s leading goalscorer and appearance maker with 81 goals in 150 matches, he is the focal point for Portugal to have any chance at success this summer. The 33-year-old scored 44 goals for Real Madrid this season and helped lead them to their third consecutive Champions League title. Ronaldo scored an astounding 15 goals in 9 matches for Portugal to help them qualify for the World Cup. Having won the Euros two years ago where he made three goals and three assists as he captained Portugal to the final, Ronaldo will be desperate to add the World Cup to his already vast amount of trophies. To say Portugal is a one man team is a false statement. Though it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a very skillful player like Ronaldo at your disposal.
2018 World Cup
Portugal
