The 2016 European Champions have undergone a makeover with ten players having moved on. Eduardo, Ricardo Carvalho, Vieirinha, Eliseu, Danilo Pereira, André Gomes, Renato Sanches, Rafa Silva, Nani and Éder have departed, but their replacements are more than capable.
The newcomers - Beto, Rúben Dias, Mário Rui, Ricardo Pereira, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Gelson Martins, Gonçalo Guedes and André Silva – are all challenging the old guard for a place in the starting line-up. There may be concerns about Portugal’s ageing central defence -. Bruno Alves (36), Pepe (35) and José Fonte (34) – but they have looked sharp and cohesive in the warm-up games.
José Fonte played the full ninety minutes against Belgium and came off the bench against Tunisia and Algeria, a clear indication that Santos will stick with the same backline that got the job done in the latter stages of Euro 2016. André Silva has been a vital component of the qualifying campaign, playing the second most minutes behind Rui Patricio and scoring nine goals.
With twelve goals in twenty-three appearances, including the opener against Tunisia, he might be considered an automatic choice.
That was until Gonçalo Guedes stepped up with two goals against Algeria, looking very much the player many have been raving about during his time at Valencia last season. The 21-year-old has been terrifying defences in La Liga, scoring five goals and nine assists after a big money move to Paris Saint Germain appeared to stall his career.
Then of course there is Cristiano Ronaldo, the game against Algeria was his 150th international appearance, who ten years ago became Portugal’s permanent captain and is now looking to capture the only major trophy that has eluded him.
Boss Fernando Santos has tough decisions to make with the game against their Iberian opponents being the defining moment in the group stage.
The last time the two countries met was six years ago in the semi-final of the European Championships when Spain triumphed 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Força!
Portugal 2018 World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patricio (Sporting).
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Mario Rui (Napoli), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (Leicester), Ruben Dias (Benfica).
Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting ), 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), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas).