Portugal name squad for November UEFA Nations League matches; Rafael Leao called up
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Seleção das Quinas names first squad after Ronaldo’s retirement.
For the first time since Cristiano Ronaldo formally declared his retirement from international football, Portugal, led by manager Jorge Jesus, revealed on Friday the roster of players selected. All for the UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Wales.
There are other absentees besides Ronaldo. Nuno Mendes, the full-back for Paris Saint-Germain, is out due to injury, while Francisco Conceicao is missing due to the three-match punishment UEFA imposed on him following his red card against Norway.
Goncalo Inacio, a defender who was on the manager’s original selection, was also left off by Jesus due to a technical judgement.
Compared to earlier choices, seven additional names—Alberto Costa, Antonio Silva, Matheus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora, and Gustavo Varela—made the cut.
Portugal have a flawless record, having qualified for the Nations League quarterfinals by winning their first four games. To secure the top place in the group, they just need one point.
Even before they play Wales, they can finish ahead of their competitors on the head-to-head if they avoid losing to Denmark by more than one goal in the following game.
Portugal announce squad for Nations League
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Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Samuel Soares (Benfica).
Defence: Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Alberto Costa (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica), Antonio Silva (Bournemouth), Nuno Tavares (Lazio).
Midfield: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Joao Palhinha (Benfica), Matheus Fernandes (Tottenham), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid).
Attack: Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rodrigo Mora (Roma), Francisco Trincao (Al-Ahli), Rafael Leao (Galatasaray), Geovany Quenda (Chelsea), Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Goncalo Ramos (Milan), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Gustavo Varela (Monza).
Who are Portugal facing in the Nations League this November?
They will face Denmark and Wales.
Where do they stand in the group?
They are first in the group.
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