World Cup 2018 is now just a matter of days away and several major contenders have already landed in Russia after they completed their final warm-up matches.
But how are they shaping up? Which players are in form and will the head coaches be forced into any last-minute tactical tweaks?
Here, we review where Portugal find themselves ahead of Friday’s Group B-opener against Spain at Fisht Stadium:
FRIENDLY RESULTS
The Euro 2016 holders will have been content to begin this month’s friendly double header with a 0-0 draw against Belgium, from which Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo was not present. They then enjoyed a glorious send-off at Estadio da Luz as Algeria were beaten 3-0, Paris Saint-Germain-owned attacker Goncalo Guedes getting a double.
WHO IS IN FORM AND WHO IS IN A SLUMP?
Guedes’ fine campaign on loan at Valencia – where he got nine assists and five goals in 33 La Liga run-outs – on the left wing looks set to be rewarded with a roving striking role. He started both matches there. This comes in place of Andre Silva. An awful debut AC Milan season, two goals in 24 Serie A games, appears to be hurting his World Cup hopes.
🇵🇹💪🏽😜 pic.twitter.com/7jTQVbgrR7
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 10, 2018
TACTICAL TWEAKS
Head coach Fernando Santos is sure to unleash his charges in a 4-4-2 system that accentuates the strengths of 33-year-old Ronaldo. His main selection headache revolves around the right wing. Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva should retain his spot in the XI. But Bruno Fernandes scored his first international goal against Algeria and is pushing.
BURNING QUESTION
Friday’s Group B-clash against resurgent Spain will provide the acid test for Portugal’s creaking centre-backs. Besiktas’ Pepe and Dalian Yifang’s Jose Fonte were pivotal to the success two years ago, but now boast a combined age of 69. In reserve, Rangers’ Bruno Alves is 36-years old and Benfica’s Ruben Dias, 21, has just one cap. A true problem area.
