The Portugal coach has unveiled the roster for the upcoming FIFA international matches against Cameroon, and it features some notable omissions.
Among the 23 selected players, Paulo Bento opted not to call up regular starters such as Nani, Rui Patricio, Bruno Alves, and Postiga. Instead, the coach included Rafa, a promising 20-year-old attacking midfielder who has been enjoying an impressive season with Sporting Braga, having netted 9 goals in 20 matches.
Leading the attack will be none other than the 2013 Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo. Also included in the squad are familiar names like Pepe, Coentrao, and Moutinho.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Portugal finds themselves in Group G, alongside Ghana, Germany, and the United States, while Cameroon is set to face Brazil, Croatia, and Mexico in Group A.
Here’s the Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: Beto (Seville/Spain), Eduardo (Sporting Braga), Anthony Lopes (Lyon/France).
Defenders: Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid/Spain), Miguel Lopes (Lyon/France), Joao Pereira (Valencia/Spain), Pepe (Real Madrid/Spain), Luis Neto (Zenit St. Petersburg/Russia), Ricardo Costa (Valencia/Spain), Rolando (Inter Milan/Italy), Antunes (Malaga/Spain).
Midfielders: Josué (FC Porto/Portugal), Joao Moutinho (Monaco/France), William Carvalho (Sporting Portugal), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahçe/Turkey), Ruben Amorim (Benfica/Portugal), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev/Ukraine).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/Spain), Edinho (Kayseri Erciyesspor/Turkey), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas/Turkey), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica/Portugal), Silvestre Varela (FC Porto/Portugal), Rafa (Sporting Braga/Portugal).
