Is This The Best Squad Portugal Has Ever Had?
Portugal has the talent and depth to be unstoppable at the World Cup. But can manager Roberto Martinez solve the tactical puzzle of Cristiano Ronaldo, or will nostalgia lead to their downfall?
Video Transcript
On paper, Portugal may have the best 26-man squad going to the World Cup, but on the pitch, they have the world's biggest identity crisis that could make or break their World Cup hopes.
When looking at this Portuguese side, one thing stands out, the midfield.
It's arguably the best at the entire tournament.
Bruno Fernandes is in his career best form, with Vitinha and Joo Neves, Portugal can dominate anyone in the middle of the park.
They have a solution for every problem, from Rafael Leo's dribbling to Bernardo Silva's IQ.
But, and here's where the tension comes from, what do they do about Cristiano Ronaldo?
At 41, CR7 is still the captain, but the team is statistically more fluid without him.
If Roberto Martnez prioritizes nostalgia over his modern machine tactics and starts Ronaldo in the big games, the fallout could be historic if it fails.
However, if they find the right balance and use Ronaldo as the ultimate clutch sub, Portugal could be unstoppable.
They have the depth to survive the grueling North American schedule and the greatest goal scorer of all time.
So pun intended, they've got a shot.
