PORTO • For Portugal, success begets success, forging an "almost indestructible family" mentality.
So long the nearly men on the international stage, their Euro 2016 triumph - the country's first title - was a culmination of a golden period during which they have also reached the Euro 2004 final, the 2006 World Cup semi-finals and the last four at Euro 2012.
And after clinching the inaugural Nations League with a 1-0 win over the Dutch in Porto last Sunday, Portugal have every intention of continuing their winning momentum - starting with the defence of their European Championship title.
Long-serving manager Fernando Santos, who has been at the helm since 2014, said: "Sometimes, things are not perfect, but that is not for lack of effort. For the last five years, we know what we are capable of doing. We are always candidates to win the competitions we take part in."
He made two key chances for the final, introducing Danilo Pereira instead of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves to give added protection to his team's backline, while replacing burgeoning talent Joao Felix with Goncalo Guedes.
Both moves paid off as Valencia forward Guedes scored the winner and Porto enforcer Danilo subdued Barcelona-bound Frenkie de Jong, the key midfield cog for the Dutch.
Santos said his team must not stop evolving if they are to lift more silverware. He added: "The future is here and now, right outside the door. If we look back to 2016, some of those players are no longer here - this is an ongoing process."
New blood like Benfica forward Felix - one of Europe's hottest talents - have already been given their first taste of international football while there is a talented supporting cast led by Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who picked up the Player of the Tournament award.
Portugal's undisputed star Cristiano Ronaldo, 34, however, said he had no plans to retire as he still had the "same enthusiasm" from when he won his first cap at 18.
Despite being a peripheral presence in the final, the Juventus forward still had an impressive tournament after his hat-trick in the semi-final against Switzerland.
He told Portuguese TV channel RTP: "As long as I have the strength and motivation, I will continue to represent the colours of Portugal. When I am with the national team, I feel like at home."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
Cardiff not intending to pay Sala fee Football's governing body said in a statement to the BBC: "Proceedings are currently ongoing and therefore please understand
The Cardiff City Emiliano Sala contract dispute explained
Dec 18, 2018 · The coach had long coveted a chance to work at the club, but he struggled to connect with United's players, notably Paul Pogba. On Tuesday, Mourinho was let go.
Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho criticises club and says Paul
Barcelona have one hand firmly on the La Liga title after winning 2-0 at Alaves on Tuesday, leaving them 12 points clear at the top of the table with four games to play. Should second-place Atletico Madrid lose at Valencia on Wednesday or against Real Valladolid on Saturday, Barcelona will be champions before they face Levante that evening.
Barcelona on verge of Liga title after beating Alaves
Guangzhou (AFP) - "Proud" Nico Yennaris became the first foreign-born footballer to represent China when the former Arsenal reserve started in a 2-0 home win over the Philippines on Friday.
London-born Yennaris makes China debut in Philippine win
Milivojevic penalty seals Palace win at Newcastle | Free
Manchester: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued his dream start as Manchester United caretaker manager with a 3-1 Premier League win over Huddersfield on his Old Trafford debut in the dugout on Wednesday.
Premier League: Pogba Strikes Twice, Man Utd Win On Solskjaer
Football: Keita and Firmino give Liverpool 2-0 Champions
LIVERPOOL, England (REUTERS) - Liverpool put aside talk of title-race jitters as they returned to the top of the Premier League with a confident 3-0 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday
Liverpool back on top after win over Bournemouth - Football
Klopp said he was wary of falling into the trap of talking up his team's chances with 18 games of the 38-match campaign remaining. Liverpool's Klopp avoids title talk despite Arsenal rout
Liverpool's Klopp avoids title talk despite Arsenal rout
Injuries open the way for Lukaku and Sanchez to shine for Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku to step up to help the club in its injury crisis.
Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for United
Klopp takes responsibility for Liverpool's 'long dry spell' Date published: Monday 2nd April 2018 2:00 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp takes some responsibility for the club's 'long dry spell
Magnificent Mane and Milner mask Salah's dry spell as
Liverpool's Klopp avoids title talk despite Arsenal rout. Klopp said he was wary of falling into the trap of talking up his team's chances with 18 games of the 38-match campaign remaining.
Liverpool's Klopp avoids title talk despite Arsenal rout
asianewstoday.com/blog/liverpools-klopp-avoids-title-talk-despite-arsenal-rout/
Tiring of media questions about the title race, Klopp said he was wary of falling into the trap of talking up his team's chances with 18 games of the 38-match campaign remaining. "I'm not the smartest person in the world but I'm really not an idiot. It's not important how many points you are ahead in December…
Klopp avoids title talk despite Arsenal rout | Radio NewsHub
0 comments:
Post a Comment