Nuno Gomes is on the bench more often since the 1997-98 season. The Benfica number 21 was a substitute 15 times this season 2008-2009.
Without Nuno Gomes, in the fall of 2009 Portugal hasn't scored 1 goal in 3 consecutive games, then Brazil 6-2, lucky penalty in Portugal 1-0 Finland.
Portugal managed to win 1-0 on February 11, 2009. The three games before Portuga 1-0 Finland, Portugal had 0-0 results and the embarassing Brazil 6-2 Portugal. Hugo Almeida simply cannot convert one goal opportunity. Queiroz has gladly left out Nuno Gomes from the call-up list in those games.
Nuno Gomes not just on the bench at Benfica but plays less than 30 minutes when he comes on. Some stats from Record:
Nuno Gomes was in the starting lineup against Olhanense (90 minutes, January 14) and Rio Ave (66 minutes, January 31).
February 2009: 26 minutes in the soccer field. Was a substitute who stayed on the bench against V. Guimarães. Has played only 4 minutes against FC Porto. Played 11 minutes in each of the following games: Paços de Ferreira and Sporting.
Next Benfica game Benfica v. Leixões - space opening up for him
Aimar will be out because he felt a slight pain in the last training session. Quique drops Honduran striker David Suazo (injury). Quique said that Paraguayan striker Cardozo is growing in confidence and has been playing more.
Call-up list:
Lista de convocados:
Goalkeepers: Moreira e Quim
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Miguel Vítor, David Luiz e Jorge Ribeiro
Midfielders: Binya, Katsouranis, Rúben Amorim, Carlos Martins, Reyes, Di María, Aimar, Balboa
Forwards: Urreta, Nuno Gomes, Mantorras e Cardozo
Feb 23, 2009- Benfica coach Quique Sanchez Flores having a laugh with Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo. Photo: record.pt
