Nothing is ‘impossible’ for Ronaldo’s Portugal
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes “nothing is impossible” for Portugal at this year’s World Cup in Russia with Cristiano Ronaldo in the team.
The 33-year-old Real Madrid forward played a crucial role in helping his country to Euro 2016 glory in France, and has enjoyed another impressive campaign with his Spanish club, scoring 42 goals in all competitions.
“Portugal has an interesting squad,” Mourinho told ESPN Brazil in an interview. “Without Cristiano, it would be impossible. But with him nothing is impossible.”
Ronaldo was inspirational at the 2016 Euro in France as his goals and assists took Portugal to the final. He had to be substituted in the first half for an injury, but his roars of encouragement from the touchline inspired his teammates to beat hosts France in the final to lift what was their first major trophy.
With the likes of Ricardo Quaresma, Bernardo Silva, Nani, Joao Moutinho, and Goncalo Guedes to call on — not to mention the fivetimes world player of the year — there is no shortage of flair in the squad. Portugal topped their World Cup qualifying group in Europe with nine successive wins after losing their opening game against Russia 2-0. And it was once again Ronaldo who made the difference with 15 goals in the qualifying campaign. The will be the 33-yearold Ronaldo’s fourth World Cup.
The Portugal captain has been in sensational form once again with Real Madrid, scoring 43 goals from 42 matches in all competitions this season as he helped the Spanish giants reach their third straight Champions League final.
Mourinho, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Porto manager also shared similar sentiments about Argentina, who led by Lionel Messi, are chasing their first World Cup crown since 1986.
“I believe that the Argentinian national team without Lionel Messi wouldn’t be a contender,” the 55-year-old Portuguese added. “But with him, it is one of the favourites.” Mourinho said five-times champions Brazil have one of the most settled squads heading into the tournament, with the right mix of tactical flexibility and individual talent.
“I like very much the basic structure of Brasil, its tactical and mentality,” he said. “There is a mixture between Brazilian natural talent, with a serious approach, physical, tactical.
“It is a team capable of defending well, allowing few goals, with a good support base. And then up front with Willian, Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus... all players with outstanding qualities.”
He added: “And then we have the traditional teams of Europe, but I believe Spain is once again a real team. They were able to get together players with the same game philosophy, adapted to that playing style.”