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.
Today was the 30th birthday Portugal central defender Fernando Meira. He spoke in Enligsh and Portuguese at the press conference. In this clip from the local tv news, he speaks in Portuguese.
Some of what Meira says: - It's not the 1st time he celebrates his birthday with the national team. - the national team is like a 2nd family to me - the best gift for me would be a victory against Turkey.
Goalkeeper Ricardo: Pretty much defends his starting position.
He was in today's press conference next to Ricardo.
Portugal central defender looks like Scolari's 3rd option. I hope he gets to play at least 1 game in the Euro 2008.
Full name: Fernando José da Silva Freitas Meira Born in Guimarães, June 5, 1978
Currently plays in VfB Stuttgart. In 2007, captained the club. Usually not Scolari's 1st option as central defender. Now with Pepe around and Bruno Alves. Competition just got stronger for him.
His official site is www.fernando-meira.de/index.php?sprache=pt . I went on the site and it has photos of him with the national team, Stuttgart, send an ecard, wallpapers, screensavers. He's only 3 years older than me.
Here's a photo of him:
Neuchatel, Switzerland, June 5, 2008- Fernando Meira at the press conference for the Euro 2008. Photo:http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/treinos
Do you think Meira will beat out Pepe and Carvalho in Euro 2008?
-Spanish TV show "El Intermédio" on La Sexta Did a survey on Monday, June 2nd, for the viewers to vote
"France or Portugal as an alternative for Spain."
Portugal won by 76%!
The TV host, El Gran Wyoming, said
"Like you know, Spain beat Peru (2-1) in a friendly with a goal in the last minute. Despite the victory, the team didn't leave a good impression. We have to acknowledge that Peru played with one advantage: its manager is not Luis Aragonez."
"Spanish people: we can't let the national team [Spain] give us aonther heartbreak with another failure. That's why today we ask you: Do you want to be with France or with Portugal. Vote and Decide which scarf we'll wear this summer."
The host then went on to pretend he was on the phone with Spain manager Aragones.
"What did you say? You too? You also want Portugal to win? That's why you're managing Spain."
This was too funny. For several reasons. The enmity between Spain and Portugal. France one of the favorites of Euro 2008- more people betting on them to win it. I wouldn't want to show it to the Spain players right now.
In today's press conference it was Meira and Ricardo's turn. Will Meira have a chance to start or will be just be a substitute for the 1st 3 matches. Here's a 6 min video of Meira speaking in Portuguese on his birthday.
00:00 About his 30th birthday today:
"I hoped to choose a lots, but in this moment I only can choose one. To turn 30 years old is not the same as turning 20 years old but I feel young and I have a lot to give to football/soccer. I hope to help the national team have a great tournament which is what I want the most."
00:39- About the 1st Euro 2008 match Portugal-Turkey:
"It would be a great advantage if Portugal go in and win and an enourmous
disadvantage to lose." "Having won the first game, Portugal will never have its
qualification assured. All the matches are important. We're focused on the match
against Turkey and that's the one we want to win."
02:50 About him in the starting 11:
"Portugal has quality in every sector which is more than visible. My objective
is to work for the national team. It's only up to the manager to decide. In this
moment, Portugal has 2 of the best central defenders in Europe and for me it's
always a privilege to represent my country and play with world-class players."
Today's press conference with the 2 Portugal players Ricardo and central defender Fernando Meira. After it, the Portugal training at Stade Maladiere. Here's what goalkeeper Ricardo said:
About him starting in the Portugal -Turkey match. This because in the training session of June 3rd, he played in the substitutes team.
"I don't have any advantage. I'm here to help the national team. In goal it's me, or Quim or Rui [Patrício] and nobody can be underestimated. To represent the national team is always a difficult mission."
Specifically in the Portugal-Turkey Euro 2008 match:
"I'm in one goal and Quim in the other one. I don't know if they'll let us... I'm confident and I'm working for it. On Saturday, the best team will walk onto the pitch to face Turkey."
About opponents Turkey:
"Turkey as a team is valuable. It changed it's style of game. It has a football that is less direct, that even looks like ours. I think we're perfectly ready for Saturday."
"We hope to be here until the end of the month. But now we're prepared to face Turkey, knowing that it's important to go in to win. Then, we'll think about the next match."
About facing Nihat (who plays in Villareal)
"I already faced Nihat and he even says that he has some things to take care of in the European Championship. It's always good to know some of your opponents."
About the new Euro 2008 soccer ball:
"I only got to know the soccer ball in the training camp, but that's normal. Everything new that appears in soccer/football is to make it more difficult for goalkeepers. Those are the arms we have and it's with those that we have to go to war."
About his current form with Real Betis:
"I played 28 matches. I was absent in 4 because of injury and 6 as an option. In my opinion I had a great season. It was a positive season, almost the same as the one before. That's why I'm satisfied."
Miguel at the Viseu Portugal training camp for the Euro 2008. The 1st 2 days he didn't train regularly with the group. He was still recovering. Is he your favorite Portugal player?
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- At Estadio Do Fontelo, training session, FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, Valencia defender Miguel. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- At Estadio Do Fontelo, training session, Valencia defender Miguel. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- At Estadio Do Fontelo, training session, Valencia defender Miguel, and Deco. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- At Estadio Do Fontelo, training session, 1st from right Valencia defender Miguel. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- At Estadio Do Fontelo, training session, Valencia defender Miguel. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu - Which picture did you like?
Neuchatel, Switzerland, June 2, 2008- In the session to recover from the friendly Portugal-Georgia, there was a hard tackle by Jorge Ribeiro on this player. Photo Source: www.record.pt/fotogaleria_imagemEuro2008.asp?id=789196
He's doing better thank goodness.
Hint 1: Portugal Winger Hint 2: Incredible dribbler sometimes overshadows Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal matches Hint 3: Plays for FC Porto
A non-portuguese saying Portugal is the favorite in Group A of Euro 2008.Valencia forward Nihat Kahveci. The other one that said Portugal is a favorite is Peter Cech! The Chelsea goalkeeper.
You know the day's top Euro 2008 stories are Italy, Cannavaro. Spain. France barely, scraping a win yesterday in the friendly with Colombia. It's so rare for Portugal to make the news. So.
Turkey forward Nihat Kahveci:
"We completely missed the last big international tournaments (Euro'2004 e Mundial'2006) as opposed to the Portuguese that achieved good results. For that reason, they are logically, favorites in the group and in the duel with us."
About the Portugal-Turkey Euro 2008 match on June 7th:
"That doesn't mean that we're defeated in advance. It's necessary to recognize that it's [Portugal] an impressive team, physically and above all in talent. But we can win if we are tactically perfect. The details are usually the decisive factor in these matches. Nothing has to be neglected. That's why, for the first time in the national team, we studied our opponents with video."
About stopping Portugal in the match:
"The key to the match is the organization of the defense. It's necessary to be extremely disciplined in front of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Quaresma or Deco."
About Cristiano Ronaldo:
"Was the best player of the year. Nobody wins matches with just one player. Portugal has other good players like tem Quaresma, Deco, Simão, Miguel or Pepe, whom we respect."
Is Deco your favorite Portugal player? Here are some photos of him at the Viseu portugal training for Euro 2008. Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- Deco at Estadio Do Fontelo, Miguel Veloso, Jose Bosingwa. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- At Estadio Do Fontelo, training session, Valencia defender Miguel, and Deco. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- Deco, 3rd from left, at Estadio Do Fontelo. Joao Moutinho, Jorge Ribeiro, Miguel Veloso, Miguel. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- Training session at at Estadio Do Fontelo for the Euro 2008. Jorge Ribeiro, Joao Moutinho, Deco, and Petit. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- Training session at at Estadio Do Fontelo for the Euro 2008. Pepe, Deco. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
Viseu, Portugal, May 2008- Training session at at Estadio Do Fontelo for the Euro 2008. Deco, manager Scolari. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu
So today it was my favorite player, Paolo Ferreira's turn to speak. Some things to decide. Here's a video of him at the press conference answering questions in portuguese. He also answered questions in English about Ronaldo but it's not in this video. They also put footage of the team training while he speaks. You see Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Veloso...
The defender played all 90 minutes- the only Portugal player to do so- in the last friendly Portugal-Georgia on May 31st. He didn't play much in the last 4 months with Chelsea so match fitness is of the upmost importance. He's a right-back but Scolari used him as Left-back- not the first time. In the right, Bosingwa and Miguel are 1st options so far.
In the press conference he talked about his current form, Portugal's chances in the Euro 2008, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. You can only hear his answers not the questions.
00:00 I'm going to work, show that I'm prepared. There are also other players. 23. All with quality. Competition is always good. I try to do my best....
00:39-[referring to Portugal's 1st euro 2008 match against Turkey on June 7th]. It's always important to start well. Like Petit said we're going to face a big national team...
01:22 [referring to playing out of position, as a left-back] Logically, it's not my natural position. But it's not the first time I play there. I already played a few games there and sincerely tis' not hte same thing as playing on the right. What' more important to to try to do what's asked and logically to help the national team...
02:27 As a professional player, we need to be preprared for verything. pLaing as a left back, which is a little different than playing on as a right-back. But I was happy for Scolari, it shows the trust he has in me. Like I said I'm doing what's asked. What's important is to do a good Euro 2008 and logically after with the games
Neuchatel, Switzerland, June 4, 2008- Day 3 of the Portugal training for Euro 2008 in Neuchatel. The press conference with 2 Portugal players, Chelsea defender Paolo Ferreira and Benfica midfielder Petit. Then, the training at La Maladiere, Neuchatel. Photo: http://euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/conferencias_imprensa
Paolo Ferreira's press conference. He spoke in Portuguese and in English.
About Cristiano Ronaldo:
"He has other people what work for him in other aspects and he wants to have a great tournament. I know him, he's a young player and wants to do a good job. He's the best player in the world, in my opinion, and is concentrated in the national team."
About Portugal in the EURO 2008:
"We have new players and we're in a big tournament that will be different. I hope to do the same of the previous years."
The other national teams are also good and deserve our respect, but we're going to try to have the best tournament possible."
I read about the interview and yesterday I was surprised when I saw his press conference on Sky Sports news on Fox Soccer Channel TV!
They put the parts where he speaks in English. They've been covering Portugal's training as if it was a favorite or a British team. Of course with the Cristiano Ronaldo angle. It was about 3 minutes. Ferreira spoke about his sub-optimal shape, that he didn't play as much as he would have liked. Then, that Cristiano Ronaldo 'I know him, he's focused.' Gary Cotrell reporting from the camp.
- Will Paolo Ferreira start "titular" in Portugal -Turkey on June 7th?
Portugal-Turkey on June 7th. Your midfield for Portugal? Deco, ....., ....., Moutinho
June 4, 2008- Press conference before the training at La Maladière, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Midfielder Petit and Chelsea defender Paolo Ferreira
What Petit said. A part of the press conference
About his current form:
"I've worked well and I'm working on geting back into great shape. I feel strong and with the will to play. I know that on Saturday [Portugal-Georgia friendly on May 31st, in Viseu] I had to be in my best shape to play and that's what I want.
"I said it was my last European championship. I am 31 years old and these will probably be the last games with the national team. I've been here for 8 years and got lots of support from everyone when I announced my retirement from the European championship."
About Portugal's expectations in the UEFA EURO 2008:
"We're very concentrated to make a great European Championship and then we'll see. The first match will be decisive and we're studying Turkey. We know they have a good national team, with experienced players, that play in good clubs and our priority is to know them well."
About Portugal now OUT of the to 10 in the FIFA ranking!
"We have to have a great European Championship so that we can return to be in the top 5, the place where Portugal needs to be."
So how does it sound at the Stade Maladiere in a Portugal training? This Portugal training for Euro 2008 was open to the public. The next training open to the public is Sunday the day after Portugal-Turkey.
You can hear the crowd, see fans filming. Most importantly the Portugal players.
00:59 Cristiano Ronaldo running in the 10-10 game,
1:19 Free kick by Simao, and Cristiano Ronaldo with Ricardo in goal
1:17 Free kick by Miguel Veloso with Quim in goal
I saw this video on my computer desktop. In this video from the tv news, you'll see and hear:
Fans in the stands screaming their heart out
Nani, Petit, manager Scolari, Cristiano Ronaldo and other Portugal players walking onto the pitch, applauding, thanking the fans.
New Chelsea defender Bosingwa at the press conference saying thanking the Portuguese community of fans for a good reception
FC Porto defender Bruno Alves saying the same thing. And that the Portugal national team has world-class defenders.
Players approaching the stands to sign the flags for fans
RicardoCarvalho signing autographs
In the game, Quim was in goal 'titular' but that most likely Ricardo will keep his 1st place.
2) Day 2, June 3rd- A youtube video of the fans doing the wave, "ola" that goes around the stadium at the Portugal training, Neuchatel, Switzerland for the Euro 2008.
3) Day 2, June 3rd- A Youtube video of the Portugal players walking onto the pitch at Stade La Maladiere, Neuchatel, Switzerland. A fan filmed it and you can hear all the noise they made to welcome the players.
- What did you like of the video?
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