World Cup 2018: Portugal
Before the 2018 World Cup starts in Moscow next Juen 14, Brussels Express will present all EU national teams involved in the competition. We start with the current European Champion: Portugal.
The Portuguese performance will be closely observed by football fans. Although Portugal has been being a significant team across the World over the last decade, this time is quite particular.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates won the UEFA EURO 2016, which took place in France, and they’re now ranked 4th in the FIFA World ranking. The rating is not necessarily as good as it could be, but those recent results definitely make Portugal one of the favourite teams for this World Cup. The qualifiers proved a good omen for the team as they only lost one of their 10 games.
Coming through their group seems something doable. However, The first game versus Spain could give a clear indication about how the team will fare in the later rounds of the tournament.
Main player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo. He won the ‘Ballon d’Or’ five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), and with Real Madrid he won four UEFA Champion’s Leagues (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017). CR7 scored the decisive – and sensational goal against Juventus – in the Champion’s League this year.
Although there is no unanimity with regard to him (some football fans hate him while other fans love him), he is clearly one of the best football players of the World.
Calendar:
- 15 June – Portugal vs. Spain
- 20 June – Portugal vs. Maroc
- 25 June – Iran vs. Portugal
Places to watch the games in Brussels:
- Café Portugal, 106 Avenue de la Couronne – 1050 – Brussels
