Portugal: A Team in Transition

On Friday, Fernando Santos will name the Portugal squad to face France on September 4^th (international friendly) and Albania on September 7^th (Euro 2016 Qualification). With both the U-21’s strong showing at the U-21 Euro and the U-20 team’s impressive run at the U-20 World Cup this summer, the Portuguese National Team are in transition. With young prospects such as Bernardo Silva, João Mário, and Ivan Cavaleiro now becoming integral parts of their club teams, will Fernando Santos begin to ween them into the national team setup? Will they become stalwarts of the Seleção, or will Santos favor older, more experienced players? These questions highlight the conundrum that Portuguese football is facing; one of how to go about this transition.

Opinion: 10 Players Who Could Break Out This Season

We could see big things from Carlos Mane this season.

Portugal’s performance at the FIFA U20 World Cup and UEFA U21 European Championships strengthened the perception that Portuguese football is on the ascendency once again.

Andre Gomes, William Carvalho and Bernardo Silva are just some of the players that have established themselves over the past few seasons. The editors of FutebolFactory.com and PortugalFutbol.net have compiled a list of ten players who they think could make a big breakthrough this season.

Five-Star Portugal Coast Past Germany

Portugal’s Ivan Cavaleiro celebrating his goal. Photo: Lusa

Portugal 5-0 Germany

2015 UEFA U-21 European Championship Semi-Final

A comprehensive performance from the Portuguese under-21 team pushed them past Germany in the semi-final of the 2015 U-21 European Championship to book a place in the tournament’s final. Goals from Bernardo Silva, Ricardo Pereira, Ivan Cavaleiro, João Mario, and Ricardo Horta gave Portugal an emphatic and entirely unpredicted 5-0 win over the Germans. The Portuguese will now face Sweden in the final, to be played on Tuesday. 

Portugal Edge England

João Mário celebrates his goal

England 0-1 Portugal

2015 U-21 European Championship

In an entertaining and tight contest, the Portuguese defeated England in both teams’ first match of the 2015 UEFA U-21 European Championship. João Mário scored the solitary goal of the match, which was all that separated two very even teams. Portugal’s play was much improved over the last time the team met England, which was in a friendly match late last year. In that match, Portugal struggled to control the midfield. In this match, Portugal held their own.

Liga NOS Players Rewarded by Fernando Santos; 25-Man U-21 Squad Named

Portugal head coach Fernando Santos named today a squad of 25 to face Armenia and Italy. The Portuguese National Team faces Armenia in a Euro 2016 qualification match on June 13th, before facing Italy in a friendly match three days later. Santos used this opportunity to call up a number of players who have impressed this season, both in Portugal and Spain. Danilo Pereira, Pizzi, and André André all earned calls, after excellent seasons for Marítimo, Benfica and Vitória Guimarães, respectively. In addition, Daniel Carriço earned his first call, after his excellent season saw him lift the Europa League trophy with Sevilla for the second time in two seasons. 

Can Sporting win the Europa League?

Sporting will need their best from Patricio if they have any hope of advancing.

Much was said about Sporting’s Champions League campaign and how well they played against the 3 other sides in their group. Home and away against Maribor, Chelsea and Schalke they performed very well and gave a fantastic account of themselves in each game. Their games were very entertaining, too, as you weren’t far away from a bundle of goals and even some controversy. They really were a breath of fresh air in the group stages of the Champions League and they showed that they can perform on the big stage.

Portuguese National Team: Highs and Lows

Fernando Santos led the team to two wins against two difficult opponents

It was a big week for the National team heading into games 3 & 4 of Fernando Santos’ tenure. The good news now is in competitive matches he sports a 2-0 record, and overall has a record of 3 wins from 4 matches. I for one was not a fan of the hiring because with his pending suspension it puts the team in a precarious situation, but not one to cry over spilled milk, I also like to give folks a chance before I criticize them.

Preview: Portugal vs Argentina

Ronaldo could be the star of the show against Argentina

Having narrowly edged Armenia on Friday, the Portuguese national team faces much stiffer competition at Manchester United’s home ground Old Trafford as the Seleccao are pitted up against World Cup finalists Argentina in an international friendly. Cristiano Ronaldo once again saved Portuguese blushes against Armenia and the spotlight will be on the Portuguese superstar as he competes with rival Lionel Messi to steal the show at a place he once called his professional home.

Portugal Edge Well-Organized Armenia Side

Portugal 1-0 Armenia

Euro 2016 Qualification

In a tense affair at the Estadio Algarve, Cristiano Ronaldo proved the catalyst once again netting the only goal in a 1-0 Portugal victory.

Week in Review – Portuguese Football Highs and Lows

Nani has impressed since joining Sporting on loan from Manchester United

It was an interesting week in Portuguese Football with the Big 3 battling in the Champions League early and then their Liga matches culminating on the weekend. Definitely many a headline made by the Tres Grandes in the English press, so let’s round-up the week’s news.