SM
Bayern vs. Real Madrid: 9 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

In Focus: Nations League hosts Portugal

:Headline: In Focus: Nations League hosts Portugal: ID:360753: from db_amp
Fernando Santos has options in his quest for silverware.

Portugal will attempt to win the Nations League when they host the inaugural finals this summer.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at Fernando Santos' side ahead of their June 5 semi-final clash against surprise package Switzerland.

History

Luiz Felipe Scolari led Portugal to the European Championship finals in 2004 – and later went on to manage Chelsea (PA Archive)

Portugal won their first ever major trophy just three years ago. Despite star turn Cristiano Ronaldo being forced off early on against hosts France in the Euro 2016 final, Santos' men dug deep to make history thanks to Eder's extra-time strike. Their previous best at the European Championship had been the crushing final loss to Greece when tournament host in 2004. They have twice reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, finishing third in 1966 and fourth in 2006. The Portuguese exited in the round of 16 last summer thanks to a 2-1 loss to Uruguay.

Reaching the Nations League finals

Andre Silva made the difference against Italy (Mike Egerton/PA)

Santos' side sealed their place at the inaugural finals by winning Group A3. Andre Silva's goal was enough to see off Italy 1-0 in their opening match, before going on to return from Poland with a 3-2 win. A goalless match in Italy followed, before drawing 1-1 against Poland in Guimaraes to condemn their opponents to relegation. All three members of Group A3 had expressed an interest in hosting the finals and topping the pool meant Portugal got that honour – and the chance to right the wrongs of Euro 2004.

Players

Bernardo Silva can make the right impression with Portugal (Nick Potts/PA)

Ronaldo did not appear in Portugal's Nations League group campaign but is likely to captain the European champions after being named in their 23-man squad for the tournament. Four Wolves players have been included in the group, with uncapped forward Diogo Jota joining Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves. Manchester City's Bernardo Silva will be looking to continue his excellent form, while Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes will get the chance to show their talent to a wider audience.

amp_article__360753 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-05-31 07:43:54:
html db last update - 2021-03-06 19:37:20 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .