Shanghai, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Recently, Portugal announced the 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar, and 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo (Cristiano Ronaldo) will be put on for the fifth time.
Compared with the last World Cup, more than half of the squad this time are newcomers who will participate in the World Cup for the first time.
On June 30, 2018, Portugal lost 1-2 to Uruguay in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Russia. The picture shows Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (left) passing by Uruguayan goalkeeper Muslera celebrating his victory. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ye Pingfan
In 2006, Figo, the core of Portugal's "golden generation", competed in the World Cup with the young Ronaldo and finished fourth, which was the team's best World Cup result since 1966. Four years ago, Portugal stopped at the round of 16. This time, coach Santos hopes that the team led by Cristiano Ronaldo can take home the trophy.
Despite Ronaldo's decline in form this season and the controversy surrounding him, Ronaldo, who is entering the latter stages of his sporting career, is undoubtedly an extremely important member of the Portuguese team – both mentally and technically.
Currently, there are only four players in the world who have played in the World Cup five times. In Qatar, Ronaldo will not only make his fifth World Cup appearance, but is also expected to break another world record - becoming the player who has scored five consecutive World Cup goals.
On November 13, in the 15th round of Serie A, Leo, who played for AC Milan, scored in the match. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Alberto Lingria)
In the Portuguese team, the young Leo has made his mark at AC Milan in recent years and will play an important role as the main player responsible for advancing the task. His stable play will be an important guarantee for the smooth operation of the team's attack. However, the absence of main goalscorer Jota is a major loss.
The midfield, led by Bernardo Silva and Fernandes, is both creative and reliable. "Grand Paris" midfielder Vitinha and Mario are also very good.
On March 29, Portugal defeated North Macedonia 2-0 in the final of Group C of the European qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar to advance to the World Cup finals. Portuguese players Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Pepe celebrate after the game. Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Pedro Fiusa)
At the back, veteran Pepe is a spiritual leader-like presence, but whether the 39-year-old will affect his playing time and form remains to be verified. Cancelo, the other fierce player, has both experience and strength, and despite his ups and downs, his guarding on the right often makes opponents have to slow down.
In the group stage, Portugal is in Group H with Uruguay, South Korea and Ghana, with the opening match against Ghana on 24 November. Previously, they will also play a warm-up match against Nigeria in Lisbon on the 17th. In the group stage, Portugal can only avoid an early meeting with Brazil in the knockout stage by striving for the first place in the group.
In this World Cup, the overall value of the Portuguese team ranks high. Coach Santos said in an interview: "I want to lead Portugal to the top of the world, we have to have that ambition. I have full confidence in the quality of the players and my coaching ability and believe that we can achieve good results. ”