FIFA World Cup 2018: Statistical Analysis of Portugal

Portugal is coming off from its first win at an international tournament when they lifted the UEFA Euro Cup in 2016. With Cristiano Ronaldo in their lineup, expect some fireworks along the way.

World Cup History:

This is the European side’s seventh appearance in the World Cup. The best result Portugal has ever achieved is a third-place finish in their very first outing in the 1966 edition in England.

The team has had a topsy-turvy history with either finishing in the top-four or getting ousted in the early stages.

However, under coach Fernando Santos the team looks rejuvenated and hungry to prove doubters wrong.

Within their ranks is arguably the best player in the world right now, Cristiano Ronaldo. He as a determining factor is one of the biggest difference for Portugal to either succeed or fail at this World Cup.

Portugal is clubbed in Group B with Spain, Iran, and Morocco.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon).

Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Mario Rui (Napoli), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica).

Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (West Ham), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow), William Carvalho (Sporting).

Forwards: Andre Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas).

Portugal National Football Team. Photo Courtesy: Soccer Laduma

Probable Playing XI:

Beto, Cedric, Pepe, Fonte, Guerrerio, Bernardo Silva, Moutinho, Carvalho, Mario, Andre Silva, Ronaldo (C)

Key Players:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho, Pepe

Interesting Tidbit:

Cristiano Ronaldo along with being captain of Portugal is also the highest ever goal-scorer for the country. In 149 games he has played, he has scored 81 goals. This tally also makes him the highest active goal-scorer for a player’s country, ahead of Lionel Messi of Argentina and Sunil Chhetri of India.