Portugal seemingly face a straightforward group at Euro 2024, but with some early encounters with other potential contenders in the knockout stages, they will need to rely on their outrageous attacking depth if they are to secure a second European title in three attempts.
Roberto Martinez has classified six of his twenty-six man squad as attackers for the tournament, but in reality at least three of his midfielders are very dangerous attacking players. In fact, even right-back Joao Cancelo has scored seven goals this season.
Along with Cancelo, dangerous attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva are almost certain to start every game for Os Navegadores, but the challenge for Roberto Martinez is fitting in as many of his attacking stars as possible. He could be bold and include Silva in a four-man midfielder which also includes Cancelo, or he could take the more usual tournament route and opt for defensive security.
If Silva were to be in the front three, he'd almost certainly take up a position on the right. That would leave Rafael Leao and Joao Felix to battle for the left wing spot, while either Liverpool's Diogo Jota or record-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo would start up front. Should Silva start in midfield, there would likely be a starting place for Jota on the right due to his versatility.
There is also the enticing possibility that in what will likely be his final international tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo could score his 900th professional goal. With a brace in a pre-tournament friendly against Ireland, which Portugal won 3 - 0, Ronaldo reached 895 career goals.
A couple of favourable group matches against outside hopefuls Turkey and debutants Georgia could help Ronaldo reach the landmark. He'll have plenty of service from the likes of Silva, Leao and Bruno Fernandes, who produced a typically brilliant display against Ireland on Tuesday.
The biggest issue for Portugal, who were also a formidable defensive unit throughout qualifying, will be hoping to make the most of their fairly straightforward group, because their path to the final could be absolutely nightmarish.
Along with three other group winners, the winners of Group F will face one of the four best third-place teams in their round of 16 tie. Depending on who finishes where in the table of third place teams, Portugal could find themselves up against the third place team from Group B, which contains Spain, Italy and Croatia.
While Spain will likely win the group, either of Croatia or Italy would provide a stern test for Portugal. If they were to get past it, they would likely face the Netherlands in the quarter-final and either Spain or hosts Germany in the semi-final.
Germany will provide tough opposition for anyone at this Summer's tournament given their fantastic home support, but Spain may be the scarier opponent for Portugal. Going back to 1984, Portugal have just two wins in 15 games against Spain, last beating The Red Fury in 2010. Ronaldo does however have a fairly strong record against Spain at major tournaments.
The final of course would be no picnic either, with England and France favourites to battle it out for the other place in the show piece in Berlin.
This is a Portugal team which has been there and done it; several members of the squad are used to winning trophies and know how to thrive in knockout football. Of course there are several strong challengers, but make no mistake, Martinez's team are one of the main contenders this Summer.
Comments