Maximum tension in Porto – AS.com

Portugal has not been left out of the final phase of a major tournament since 1998. This is how critical the situation is for the best generation in the country’s history. Now, after winning the only two titles in its history at the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 Nations League, Fernando Santos is up against a rock and a hard place (follow today’s match live on As.com).

He faces these semifinals of the playoffs with very important casualties. Especially in defense, without Rúben Dias (injured), Pepe (COVID) or Cancelo (sanctioned). Danilo and Fonte are expected to form an unprecedented pairing of central defenders and Dalot will win over Cédric Soares as the starting right-back. Nor will he be able to count on Rúben Neves or Renato Sanches.

“They prefer a broken game, but we can’t get into that rhythm”said the coach. In the case of reaching it, Cristiano will have to react to his poor 2022. Obviously he will start, but he is the one with the worst numbers of the entire attack called. “It will be a final, I hope that the favoritism is confirmed on the pitch“Jota confides.

The president of the Federation, Fernando Gomes, was present at the team’s last training session to encourage his players in a key game for the country. Do Dragao tickets are sold out and Porto will experience a tense atmosphere that will turn into a party or a funeral after the match.

PORTUGAL: Rui Patricio; Dalot, Source, Danilo, Warrior; Bernardo Silva, Fernandes, Moutinho, Jota; Joao Felix and Cristiano.

TURKEY: Ugurcan Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Soyuncu; Kökcü, Özdemir; Omur, Calahanogu, Akturtoglu; y Burak Yilmaz.

REFEREE: D. Siebert (Germany).

STADIUM: Do Dragao, Oporto.

HOUR: 20:45 (Four).