Four Portuguese players stayed on the bench yesterday (Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008).
-Paolo Ferreira (Chelsea)- Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle.
Scolari only made two changes.
-Ricardo Quaresma (Inter)- Inter 1-0 Juve.
Jose Mourinho is now going to make Quaresma EARN the starting position. With Figo recovering and Mancini knowing the Serie A, Quaresma will face strong competition.
-Antunes (Lecce)- Lecce 0-3 AS Roma.
Lecce coach Beretta left Antunes on the bench. I thought Antunes might face his former club. He played 90 minutes against AC Milan but was on the bench against Roma. I hope he stays in the Serie A and doesn't go back to the Portuguese league. The Portugal team needs 'young-blood' in the left-back position. Besides Caneira, Antunes can be an alternate for Paolo Ferreira when Ferreira is not having a good game.
-Betis goalkeeper Ricardo - Sporting 1-2 Betis, Matchday 12
Good news is that Betis is now in 8th place. It has 17 points and the sole leader Barcelona has 29 points. Things were looking up for Ricardo! He had played in the last two Copa Del Rey games in the starting lineup. Pressure was mounting to test Ricardo in the league because Casto was not convincing people.
On another note, isn't it time Chelsea's 3rd choice goalkeeper Hilario moves to another club where he can play more often? Scolari won't put him in a Champions League game or rest Cudicini to put Hilario. He's in his 30s and I hope he plays more often. At this point in another league.
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Portugal Tickets, World Cup Portugal Jersey, Soccer blog by Monica 08 for fans of players in the Portugal team. Player photos, and videos. Comments with fans of Portuguese players like Miguel Veloso, goalkeeper Eduardo, Nuno Gomes, and Ricardo Quaresma.