2023-11-16 01:00:31
The Portugal team is in Vaduz, the capital of a country that compensates for its small size with tremendous riches… We could be referring to the imposing castles and the verdant landscapes, contrasted by the white of the Alps, but the microstate of Liechtenstein is one of the richest on the planet, financially speaking.
We wouldn’t dare compare GDP per capita of the two nations – it would be a depressing exercise -, but when it comes to sport, it is the Portuguese side that boasts a richer scenario…
With eight wins in eight games, Portugal has already secured the clearance for the Euro, first place this year group and even the status of serial head for this summer’s tournament. Enviable comfort, especially for those who used to reach this stage with a calculator at hand!
Portugal remains undefeated with Roberto Martínez @Kapta+
On the other side of the coin is Liechtenstein, whose European dream is buried beneath eight defeats. Konrad Fünfstück’s team scored just one goal, conceded 25, and has no way of leaving last place.
So that there is no doubt: this Thursday, starting at 7:45 pm, the game will only be played to comply with the schedule.
Thanks to Sá’s patience
Even if it is by no means decisive, this game is not irrelevant. None are, of course, but for certain players it will represent something unforgettable. José Sá is the one who has the most to gain, as at 30 years old, after having been on the bench for Portugal in more than 40 games since 2017, he is preparing to win his first cap.
Toti Gomes, also from Wolves, is watching this debut, as is João Mário, the FC Porto full-back who was called up to deal with injuries. Bruma, the biggest surprise in the squad, wants to return to wearing the shirt that has eluded him since 2019, while João Neves, who made his debut in the last international window, could have the first start.
But beyond the goalkeeper, predicting the eleven is not easy, as there are several issues. One of them concerns Ronaldo: will he start on the bench? Possibly, because, if he starts in just one game, it would make sense for him to start on Sunday, at home. Still, he is just one goal away from being the top scorer in qualifying and that could weigh heavily, even with Ramos, Félix and Jota.
Regardless of who plays, everything points to the ninth game being also the ninth victory for Roberto Martínez at the helm of Portugal, in a reunion with the team against whom he debuted, in March, with a 4-0.
#delicious #cenrio #zerozero.pt