Moutinho, Nani and Quaresma proved they belong in the starting 11- after Portugal 2-0 Georgia. Midfielders score, not forwards. Video of 2 goals.

• So, after today's friendly, can you guess the starting 11 Scolari will put in Portugal- Turkey? The 2nd match of Euro 2008 on inauguration day?
• Which players in the 2nd half convinced you that they need to start?

The troubling thing this match showed was that strikers didn't score, the midfielders did.

It looks like Portugal depends on the wingers for goals, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo and Quaresma. As opposed to pure strikers Nuno Gomes, Helder Postiga and Hugo Almeida.

Granted, Nani came close, even Quaresma. Nuno Gomes, Scolari's favorite starting striker, nil. Not as dangerous as Nani or Quaresma.

Scolari started Portugal- Georgia with 4-3-3 and in the 2nd half, when he put in 2 forwards Helder Postiga and Hugo Almeida, it became a 4-2-2.

--The only player in the match who played all 90 minutes was Chelsea defender Paolo Ferreira. He hasn't played a lot this season with Chelsea- compared to the other players.

- In the 1st half, the player with most minutes played in the season was Sporting Lisboa midfielder, Joao Moutinho.

The lineup in the 1st half of Portugal-Georgia was:

Ricardo,

Bosingwa, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Paulo Ferreira,

Petit, João Moutinho, Deco,

Cristiano Ronaldo, Simão, Nuno Gomes.

In Goal: Ricardo. In the 2nd half, Scolari put Quim and he did one important save that prevented Georgia from drawing the game.

Defense:

• Carvalho and Pepe as central defenders. Scolari might use Pepe over Meira and Bruno Alves in the Portugal - Turkey match.
• Paolo Ferreira as left-back, even though he's a right back. He played left-back in the whole 90 minutes. Competition in the right-back position is too strong. FC Porto Jose Bosingwa as right-back.

Midfield question resolved- What young midfielder (Meireles, Joao Moutinho) to put next to Deco and Petit?

• Resounding answer, hey he even scored the 1st goal, Joao Moutinho. He earned his "titularidade," starting place in the match.

2nd half Nani and Quaresma were much more dangerous than Nuno Gomes. Helder Postiga, one of my favorite players, I'm afraid didn't make the cut. Here are the videos of the 2 goals:

Joao Moutinho's goal, 18th minute: As seen on RTP International

Simao's penalty in the 45th minute:

I had to put this clip with both goals, narrated in arabic. So much passion when they say Simao, goal... Sounds like they were narrating the final of a world cup :)

----Do you think the same starting lineup of the 1st half will be the one on June 7th, Portugal-Turkey?

I think: No. Only the forward and one midfielder needs to change. Put in Quaresma instead of Simao and I'm fine.

Forward:

Nuno Gomes was unconvincing especially when he didn't get enough service. He barely had shots on target. Portugal needs to be dangerous in the attack. On the other hand, in the 2nd half Nani and Quaresma both hit the woodwork at least twice. They don't depend too much on getting service like Nuno Gomes. I think Nuno Gomes can come in as a substitute in the 2nd half in the 1st Euro 2008 match.

For Portugal-Turkey I prefer:

Quim,

Bosingwa, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Paulo Ferreira,

Petit, João Moutinho, Deco,

Cristiano Ronaldo, Quaresma (constantly switching sides)

Nani

---So, after today's friendly, can you guess the starting 11 Scolari will put in Portugal- Turkey? The 2nd match of Euro 2008 on inauguration day?

---Which players in the 2nd half convinced you that they need to start?

--- What did you think of Moutinho's goal from the video?

Ricardo Carvalho next to _____? Pepe, Meira or Bruno Alves? Update on starting 11 after Friday training-

The central defense is one of Scolari's doubts- undecided issues for the June 7th match Portugal- Turkey. Who do you think needs to start? Carvalho next to Pepe, Meira, or Bruno Alves?

According to this article on local newspaper www.record.pt/noticia.asp?id=788652&idCanal=1252:

• Scolari has to decide who to pair with central defender Ricardo Carvalho:
  Bruno Alves or Pepe.
• Right back- Miguel or Bosingwa?
• Midfielder duo- Miguel Veloso or João Moutinho with Petit and Deco.

In Tuesday's training at Estadio do Tondela, Scolari tested Pepe, Bosingwa and João Moutinho in the starting lineup. Then, he tested Bruno Alves, Miguel e Miguel Veloso. The press won't know what Scolari decides on Friday's training because it's closed to the public.

It looks like Scolari is more confident in the attack section with Simão, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Gomes. Midfield: Deco and Petit. Defense: Left-back Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho (central) and Ricardo in goal. .

Thursday's training session of 90 minutes was the last one open to the public and to the press. Cristiano Ronaldo started in the left side of the attack, with Quim in goal and Pepe. Scolari kept testing different lineups: in center defense Pepe next to Bruno Alves, Bosingwa as right-back, with Nani and Quaresma and Hugo Almeida.

What lineup do you expect for Saturday's friendly Portugal-Georgia?

Who's next to Carvalho?

Update- Starting 11 May 27th training, Pepe as central defender with Carvalho- Portugal national team

Image Source: euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu

In today's afternoon training session one can get a better idea of the starting 11. This time Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Carvalho could participate in the session. Yesterday they weren't on the pitch. a few undecided positions are up for grabs.

I think the forwards and the midfield duo are the ones where Scolari might change. Nani has had a great season with Manchester United. Compared to Nuno Gomes. Will Scolari keep insisting in putting Nuno Gomes in the starting lineup and Nani as a sub?

How much competition is there for Deco in the midfield? Who will Scolari pair with Ricardo Carvalho in the center defense?

The training was at the Estadio do Tondela.

Theoretically Scolari chose a starting lineup of 4 x 3 x 3

Ricardo

Bosingwa, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Paulo Ferreira,

Petit, João Moutinho, Deco,

Simão, Cristiano Ronaldo e Nuno Gomes.

The surprise was using Real Madrid defender Pepe next to Ricardo Carvalho. Also, Bruno Alves (Pepe), Miguel (Bosingwa), Miguel Veloso (João Moutinho) and Quaresma (Simão) were also used

Cristiano Ronaldo left the training early with pain in the right leg. He later returned to do free-kicks.

Source: www.Record.pt/noticia.asp?id=788379&idCanal=1252

• What do you think of Scolari's 1st starting lineup?
• Do you think Pepe will start next to Carvalho?

I think it will either be Meira or Bruno Alves next to Carvalho.

• How about Simao and no Quaresma?

Update: Starting 11 of Portugal National team based on May 26th training

So what's your starting 11 prediction? Breaking news in today's press conference! It was understood that "untouchable" Ricardo didn't have his goalkeeper place gauranteed. Straight from the goalkeeper coach's mouth!

Image Source:

euro2008.sapo.pt/multimedia/fotos/estagio_em_viseu

Now that we know that in goal it's not definite, other positions at stake: Forwards and midfielder duo

On Monday's Viseu Portugal training, May 26 the press reported:
Luiz Felipe Scolari tested the forwards- using 2 forwards Hugo Almeida and Nuno Gomes in the tactical system.

Defenders:
As Right back, Chelsea new aquisition Bosingwa.
As Left back , Chelsea defender Paolo Ferreira.

Central defenders:
FC Porto's Bruno Alves and Fernando Meira. Keep in mind, Carvalho is most likely to start but on Monday he was still doing special work to avoid 'desgaste' physical exhaustion from the season. That means he stayed at the team Hotel and didn't train with the team on the pitch.

midfielders:
Barcelona's Deco and Petit duo

midfielders/ wingers:
Quaresma and Simao. What no Cristiano Ronaldo? I hear you saying :) Along with Carvalho he also stayed to do special work at the team hotel to avoid physical exhaustion from the whole season.

Scolari then gave the opportunity to another midfield duo- Sporting Lisboa's João Moutinho and Miguel Veloso.

Jorge Ribeiro, who can either be in defense or midfield, was used as a left-back- defender.

Almeida over Postiga?
Will it be Carvalho and Alves or Carvalho and Meira.

Source: www.Record.pt/noticia.asp?id=788257&idCanal=1252

Will midfielder Deco lose his starting position in this Euro 2008? To the "young guns" Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho.

Will Barcelona player, Deco, lose his startingposition in this Euro 2008 ? By the way 14 more days!!!!!

The "young guns" from Sporting Lisboa, Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso are bound to be starting.

Here's a picture of him from yesterday's light training, next to the other Brasilian born player, central defender Pepe:

I'm asking you because today in the pre-training press conference Deco faced the media. His starting position was in the minds of the reporters. Here's how he responded to the competition from the 2 young guns:

It's good for the national team (selecção) to have young players like Miguel and Moutinho, young players with quality. They are the future of the national team but also the present. It's good to have competition and we're prepared for it.

Regarding the physical shape he's in right now:

This year I played less because of injuries. They're weren't too serious but I missed almost 2 months for each one. But I didn't have any serious problem.

And the most important question for the Portugal national team fans. Asked whether he thought Portugal can win the UEFA EURO 2008:

It's possible... It's a dream for everyone. We're going to do everything to be in the final and win the UEFA EURO 2008 (Europeu). It's not easy but we're going to work for it.

About Cristiano Ronaldo
"He has everything to be the best" in the UEFA EURO 2008 but "there are other names" capable of it.

Tell me,

• Will midfielder Deco lose his starting position in this Euro 2008? To the "young guns" Veloso and Moutinho.

See more posts with "Deco"

• Video - Deco arriving at the Viseu Portugal training camp for the Euro 2008, May 20th
• Will midfielder Deco lose his starting position in this Euro 2008? To the "young guns" Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho.
• I'll talk about my future after the Euro 2008. Deco said on June 9th, press conference
• 2 photos of Deco in the Czech Republic-Portugal euro 2008 game
• I thought it was a prank" says Nuno. June 9th press conference in Portuguese with Deco and Nuno

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What's your prediction for the starting 11 of the Portugal national team on June 7th in UEFA EURO 2008?

Ok, besides Cristiano Ronaldo. Objective for the 1st match of UEFA EURO 2008 Group A: Portugal - Turkey on June 7th, inauguration day: score at least 2 goals and keep the lead.

After looking at today's training, the local media started speculating who Scolari places in the starting 11. It's still not sure who the starting 11 will be until the 4 players in England join the group tomorrow and train with the group.

The one position that is still up for grabs is the left flank, the Cristiano Ronaldo role except that in the left right behind the striker. It's between Simao and Quaresma. Scolari has shown during the EURO 2008 qualifyers that Simao is 1st choice in that position and Quaresma 2nd choice.

Here's what the local media predict so far, a 4-2-3-1.

Goalkeeper- didn't say yet

4 Defenders: Bosingwa, Bruno Alves, Fernando Meira, Jorge Ribeiro;

2 Midfielders: Petit, Miguel Veloso;

3 midfielders: Quaresma, Moutinho, Simão

1 forward: Nuno Gomes.

Free kicks:

Scolari has already picked 4 players who will be in charge of the free kicks outside the penalty box,

1. Quaresma,
2. Jorge Ribeiro,
3. Petit
4. Miguel Veloso,

Here's a picture of midfielder Miguel Veloso, who's wanted by Man U and other important clubs. This was last Sunday when his club Sporting Lisboa won the Cup "Taca De Portugal."

Needless to say, Scolari's first 2 choices will be Cristiano Ronaldo and Simão.

Here's my starting 11:

Quim

Bosingwa, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, Paolo Ferreira;

Petit, Miguel Veloso;

Quaresma, Moutinho and Cristiano Ronaldo

Nani

What's your prediction for the starting 11?

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Does Quim deserve to be the starting goalkeeper for the Portugal national team, instead of Ricardo?

Ricardo - Quim, why does it matter who's the goalkeeper? Besides, isn't Ricardo the EURO 2004 hero who stopped penalties without his gloves? Excellent performance in World Cup 2006? Yes and Yes.

Here's the dilemma. The goakeeper that is in best shape needs to be in the starting lineup. Ricardo since the last 2 qualifying games has made mistakes. The most obvious ones in the friendly against Greece in March 2008 where Portugal lost 2-1. Quim needs a chance but Scolari just insists on Ricardo! Those in favor of Ricardo say "He has the international experience in international tournmaments (EURO 2004, World Cup 2006).

Ricardo's shape:

Ricardo playing this season for Real Betis in Spain used to be the 1st choice goalkeeper for the first 3 months. He lost his place! He's now the 2nd choice. That speaks volumes on what shape he's in, right?

Quim's shape:

He's in the starting lineup at Benfica. One of the 3 big clubs in the Superliga, the Portuguese league. Is superconfident and it reflects on his matches. Here's a picture of him as Benfica goalkeeper against Milan this season in the Champions League.

---Who do the fans want?

I want Quim to be the 1st choice goalkeeper in the UEFA EURO 2008. Quim himself publicly said he's in extraordinary shape professionally and personally in this interview, a video clip from the local rtp news on Tuesday May 13th. The gk best in shape at the moment needs to be in the starting line-up no ifs, buts, couldas, shouldas!

Many fans agree that Quim needs to be the "guardaredes titular," the starting goalkeeper. 2 of them commented in the local media's latest news bulletin. One fan wrote

Mr. Manager: I'm not from Benfica but please put Quim in goal. He's the bestgoalkeeper at the moment. Don't put Ricardo just for emotion's sake. Just being called up should be enough for 'emotion's sake.'"

A bit of trivia about Quim:

• The name on his soccer jersey "Quim" is short for "Joaquim".
• Full name "Joaquim Manuel Sampaio da Silva"
• He's 32 years old- The oldest player in Scolari's final 23- man squad of Portugal. (Ricardo Carvalho turned 30 this Sunday, May 18th)

See more posts with "Quim"

• Video- Quim the goalkeeper out of the Euro 2008 because of a training injury, returned to Lisboa, Portugal on Wednesday.
  
• Does Quim deserve to be the starting goalkeeper for the Portugal national team, instead of Ricardo?
  
• Quim's viseu portugal training press conference, Monday May 26

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Were you surprised to see Postiga in Luiz Felipe Scolari's final 23-man squad of Portugal for UEFA EURO 2008?

So who's in the Portugal team for Euro 2008?
When I read Luiz Felipe Scolari's final 23-man squad of Portugal for UEFA EURO 2008, 2 names "jumped out at me" Simao and Postiga. I was surprised they were included in the list. Maniche being left out was also a surprise. By the way, here's a video clip of him announcing live, on May 12th at Viseu, the 23 players.

• Goalkeepers (3):
  Quim (SL Benfica)
  Ricardo (Real Bétis)
  Rui Patrício (Sporting CP)




• Defenders (8):
  Bruno Alves (FC Porto)
  Fernando Meira (Estugarda)
  Jorge Ribeiro (Boavista FC)
  Bosingwa (FC Porto)
  Pepe (Real Madrid) Bench
  Miguel (Valencia)
  Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea FC)
  Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea FC)




• Midfielders (5):
  Deco (FC Barcelona)
  Petit (SL Benfica)
  João Moutinho (Sporting CP)
  Miguel Veloso (Sporting CP)
  Raul Meireles (FC Porto) I liked how he played against Al-Samiyah back in June 5th 2007.




• Strikers / Forwards (7):
  Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
  Hélder Postiga (Panathinaikos)
  Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)
  Nani (Manchester United)
  Nuno Gomes (SL Benfica)
  Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto)
  Simão Sabrosa (Atlético de Madrid)

Postiga wasn't called up for the friendly against Greece in March. I heard him on the Antena 1 radio when they were interviewing him for that pre-match. I think he realizes he has competition. Anyway, he is one of my favorite players of the national team.

Last year I saw this interview from the fpf site about 200 times. It's one of the reasons I started learning Portuguese from Portugal ;-) I couldn't find it on youtube so you can see it in windows media here:

-- Will Postiga be in the starting line-up or will Nani, Nuno Gomes be Scolari's 1st choice?

Which player were you surprised to see IN Luiz Felipe Scolari's final 23-man squad of Portugal for UEFA EURO 2008? ...either because they're not in the best shape / others deserve their position?

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