Euro 2024: Are we about to witness Cristiano Ronaldo’s last run at the top?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Eight years since defeating France in the final of the 2016 European Championships, Portugal will stand a chance to mount another shot at glory in the Euro 2024 edition.

After a subpar showing at the 2022 FIFA world cup, Roberto Martinez’s introduction as first team coach has injected a new dimension into the outfit.

READ ALSO:

• Portugal unveils 26-man squad for a friendly match against Nigeria
• Manchester City legend, David Silva retires from football
• “Olu Jacobs I knew, no more there,” Joke Silva bemoans
• De Zerbi admits to not knowing who Joao Pedro was prior to him joining Brighton
• Champions League: Compatriots Cancelo & Felix score as Barcelona progress to last 16

Portugal navigated qualification going unbeaten for the entirety of the period remarkably finding 21 goals and conceding none in the four games against Luxembourg and Liechtenstein.

As with major tournaments, the gaffer’s choice of selections would be at the forefront. For example, Fernando Santos’ decision to drop talismán Cristiano Ronaldo during the knockout rounds of the world cup to some school of thoughts cost the nation’s title dreams.

Backline

Diogo Costa has been trusted in goal for much of the qualification period. The FC Porto shot-stopper has made the spot his over the veteran Rui Patricio with Wolverhampton Wanderers Jose Sa looking a distant third in terms of hierarchy.

Diogo Dalot’s fine season with Manchester United puts him in contention for a spot at right full back with Joao Cancelo spending much of the time on the opposite flank. Nelson Semedo and Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes are also likely to throw in for a shirt.

Undoubtedly, Manchester City’s Ruben Dias will command a shirt at the heart of defense and the strongest question comes in his partner with the seasoned Pepe available for selection and Sporting CP’s left sided center back Goncalo Inacio also staking claims. Danilo Pereira and Benfica’s Antonio Silva round up the center back contingent.

Middle of the Park

Fulham’s Joao Palhinha stands as the all action defensive midfielder in the squad. Saudi Arabia duo Ruben Neves with Al-Hilal and Otavio with Al-Nassr join the midfield contingent.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has the role as the team’s creator-in-chief following a fine individual campaign despite the club’s contrasting fortunes.

In terms of youth, Joao Neves and Vitinha round up the squad.

Offensive outlets

The 39-year-old forward is Portugal’s all time leading scorer and will skipper the side ahead of his record sixth European Championship. Ronaldo will take up the central spot expectedly if Martinez hopes to avoid the mistake of his predecessor. 

Bernardo Silva has often been accustomed with the right wing for the nation in recent times and should likely retain the spot. Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto also lurks around in a bid to lock down a shirt.

Off the left will be the strongest decision in attack. Diogo Jota has a fine return rate for the national team, AC Milan’s Rafa Leao and Joao Felix will settle for the final spot.

Roberto Martinez’s preliminary squad includes:

GOALKEEPERS: Diogo Costa, Rui Patricio, Jose Sa

DEFENDERS: Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Antonio Silva, Pepe, Goncalo Inacio, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes

MIDFIELDERS: Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Otavio

FORWARDS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao.