The Irish Mail on Sunday

PORTUGAL

-

Ranking 4. Last time Group stage. Manager Fernando Santos — thrived in internatio­nal management. Firstly with Greece, guiding them to Euro 2012 and then the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup. Took over his home country in 2014 in the wake of a home defeat by Albania and took them to glory at Euro 2016.

They’re a bit like Leicester City — enjoyed their moment two years ago but unlikely to reach such heights again.

Key man Cristiano Ronaldo (right) — Real Madrid superstar continues to score at a prolific rate for both club and country and, even at the age of 33, endlessly works on improving areas of his game. Scored 15 goals in World Cup qualificat­ion, netting at least once in each match he played.

Rising star Andre Silva — formed a deadly partnershi­p with Ronaldo during the qualificat­ion campaign, scoring nine times. But only managed to score 10 goals in a disappoint­ing season with Milan. Prospects Will be challengin­g Spain for top spot in Group B, but unlikely to repeat their heroics from two years ago.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Ireland