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Portugal working for a smoother future
South Africa 2010 is indeed not far away and Portugal are optimistic over their fortunes come June.
A Selecção have endured tough moments since the retirement of the legendary skipper Luis Figo after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Throughout the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, their fate seemed to be hanging from a thread. In dramatic fashion, Carlos Queiroz’s side pipped out Sweden to grab Group A’s play-off spot where they subsequently saw off Bosnia Herzegovina to seal their place in the finals of the World Cup.
Now, Portugal are looking forward to entering a new phase where their hard work will be compensated by convincing wins in a less difficult road to achieve success.
Supporters have their eyes set on one particular player to uplift the Portuguese national team. It is no other person but Real Madrid’s on-fire star winger, Crisitano Ronaldo.
Echoing the people’s opinion, manager Carlos Queiroz explained a week ago:
“We expect a lot from Cristiano Ronaldo. If we have the contribution and added value of a player considered and recognized as one of the best in the world, the team will definitely benefit."
Ronaldo had an alarming record throughout the 2010 World Cup qualifiers; the Portugal captain and prolific goal scorer didn’t net a single goal during the campaign.
As June approaches, the 25-year-old skipper will have to prove how inspirational he is as a player and a captain.
Portugal to face China for a vital test
Was it a good choice by the Portuguese Football Federation to choose China for a friendly encounter?
Fans of A Selecção might ponder about the significance of this friendly match opportunity compared to the caliber of Portugal’s opponents China.
Either way, a game against the Asians could offer a lot to the Portuguese as Portugal's skipper Cristiano Ronaldo explained:
"The aim is to study this team (China) which plays like North Korea, one of Portugal's opponents in the group stages of the World Cup."
Talking about Group G's underdogs North Korea, they are looking forward to upset the table's favorites and Portugal especially.
Speaking earlier in January, the team's assistant manager Jo Tong-Sop revealed Korea DPR's wishes, stating:
"We'll be giving our all in every game. But of course, the players are particularly keen to beat Portugal."
North Korea could indeed be a threat to the Portuguese who will therefore test themselves against China on Wednesday.
Looking ahead to the clash which will take place at the Cidade de Coimbra stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo concluded:
"It's just another game. But hopefully, it will be a good game and one that we'll win."
Portugal and China quick statistics
China might be far from equaling the standards of countries such as Italy, Brazil, or even France. However, it doesn’t mean that they will not pose any threat to Portugal.
Earlier in February 2010, China stunned Korea Republic 3-0 in a friendly match and then followed this victory with a 2-0 triumph over rivals Hong Kong lately.
China, who are ranked 87th in FIFA’s World Ranking, haven’t experienced defeat in any of their last 15 matches. Their recent run certainly explains why they moved six places up in the chart.
Portugal meanwhile remain 5th. They’ve also won all of their last 5 matches since clinching a very late draw away to Denmark in the qualifiers.
Portugal and China played once; that was back in May 2002. The game ended 2-0 in favor of the Europeans.
Portugal's 18-man squad
After missing Portugal's last match through injury, attackers Cristiano Ronaldo and Hugo Almeida return to the squad with midfielder Pedro Mendes as well.
Porto winger, Silvestre Varela, has earned his first call-up while Sporting Lisbon's Joao Moutinho has been included in the roster following his good performance in his side's 3-0 victory over Porto last Sunday.
Goalkeepers:
Eduardo, Hilario
Defenders:
Bruno Alves, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Rolando, Miguel
Midfielders:
Duda, Pedro Mendes, Raul Meireles, Tiago, Joao Moutinho
Forwards:
Cristiano Ronaldo, Liedson, Nani, Simao Sabrosa, Silvestre Varela, Hugo Almeida