Cristiano heals his United wounds with sky-high Portugal ambitions
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 24.09.22. | 10:50
Ronaldo's national team is one of the favourites to win the World Cup, and tonight's visit to the Czech Republic will serve as an excellent test of their current abilities
Imagine mixing some of the best Manchester United players with their counterparts from Manchester City into one team. Well, guess what, it's already done - and that squad's name is Portugal.
One of the most formidable European national teams is comprised of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot (Man Utd), Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Dias (Man City). Add just one or two solid names to that list, and you have a slot capable of reaching the highest heights, which they had already done back in 2016, clinching the title of the European champions.
Six years later, Portugal are after the most significant accolade out there - the FIFA World Cup title, their first-ever. To win the trophy in Qatar, they ought to display some second-to-none football, and this international break will show both them and the rest of the world how good they really are.
If Portugal and Argentina both win their groups, their remaining World Cup route would mean that they could meet each other in the final.
— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) September 23, 2022
This would be the biggest sporting moment in history, for 90 minutes the world will freeze. pic.twitter.com/larAkG4NjX
The UEFA Nations League away game tonight at the Czech Republic is just what Fernando Santos' side needs at this particular moment. A decent rival that could reveal all the flaws and shortcomings of the WC title contenders ahead of the upcoming tournament.
The game will probably serve as a perfect test for Cristiano Ronaldo, too, who's eager to get back to his old form after spending too much time benched at Man Utd. His compatriots are desperate to see CR7 at his peak in Qatar because without him on the top of his performance, there's not much they could hope for in a distant desert.
When it comes to the mentioned Nations League, they are currently sitting at the runners-up place, a point behind the leaders, Spain. Only one team advances to the final, knockout stage, and the two giants will face in a derby on Tuesday, 27 September, to probably decide who will stay in the battle for the Nations League crown. To reach that milestone, Portugal must win at Prague and save their chances for success.
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE - GROUP STAGE, ROUND 5
Division A
Thursday
Croatia - Denmark 2-1 (0-0)
/Sosa 49, Majer 79 - Eriksen 77/
France - Austria 2-0 (0-0)
/Mbappe 55, Giroud 64/
Belgium - Wales 2-1 (2-0)
/De Bruyne 11, Batshuayi 38 - Moore 50/
Poland - Netherlands 0-2 (0-1)
/Gakpo 14, Bergwijn 60/
Friday
Germany - Hungary 0-1 (0-1)
/Szalai 17/
Italy - England 1-0 (0-0)
/Raspadori 68/
Saturday
21.45: (4.80) Czech R. (3.50) Portugal (1.91)
21.45: (1.50) Spain (4.20) Switzerland (8.00)
21.45: (2.90) Austria (3.40) Croatia (2.52)
Sunday
21.45: (3.60) Denmark (3.40) France (2.24)
21.45: (2.40) Netherlands (3.50) Belgium (3.10)
***odds are subject to change
