FIFA World Cup 2018: Portugal announce 35-man preliminary squad. Which 12 players will be cut?

The FIFA World Cup held once in 4 years for the period of one month is the biggest football tournament in the world. The tournament consists of two parts, the qualification phase and the final phase, officially called the World Cup Finals. The qualification phase, which currently takes place over the three years preceding the Finals, is used to determine which teams qualify for the Finals.

The current format of the Finals involves 32 teams competing for the title, at venues within the host nation which will be Russia for this year’s World Cup event.

Portugal Coach: Fernando Santos

With the arrival of Fernando Santos, he has turned Portugal into a very hard team to beat. Even though they have Ronaldo in their ranks, Portugal still rely heavily on their solid foundation at the back which was the key ingredient for Portugal surprise Euro 2016 win. Portugal do lack the spark in central midfield but with Ronaldo, at the helm, they always have a chance against anyone.

Santos likes to use the conventional 4-4-2 system with Ronaldo, Silva upfront while Jao Mario and Bernardo Silva supporting the attack from the wings. Portugal has announced 35 men of the preliminary squad but the coach still has the job of letting go 12 players depending upon their fitness and quality all over.

Possible Starting Lineup

Portugal with Ronaldo at his best performance and other attacking players especially their traditional wingers like Andre Silva and Gonçalo Guedes who will be hoping to replace the likes of Nani and Quaresma in the near future. Andre Silva is likely to start up front with Ronaldo, Bernando Silva and Nani supporting in the attack. While two of the three William Carvalho, Jao Mario, and Jao Moutinho should take the central midfield roles.

• Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio is set to be the favorite goalkeeper, with Anthony Lopes, José Sá as a substitute.
• Defenders: Jose Fonte, Pepe, Cédric Soares, Luís Neto and Nélson Semedo will be the defensive wall for Portuguese side along with Vitorino Antunes, Bruno Alves, Mario Rui, Rolando, Ruben Dias, Raphaël Guerreiro, João Cancelo, Ricardo Pereira on the bench.
• Midfielder: João Moutinho and João Mário, will take the central midfield roles with William Carvalho will play defensive midfield. André Gomes, Ruben, Sergio Oliveira, Adrien Silva, Bernardo Silva, Rony Lopes, Manuel Fernandes, Bruno Fernandes may be brought in for substitution.
• Forward: André Silva will be the main striker as Gonçalo Guedes, and Cristiano Ronaldo will be the wingers. Also, Ronaldo may change his position as he is so good with his finishes while Nani, Eder, Gelson Martins, Ricardo Quaresma may stand on the bench.

Ronaldo, who is the captain and record goalscorer for Portugal may make the difference when it really matters. Portugal system is built on solid defense and they don’t create many chances and that's where Ronaldo comes in who just need that half a chance to score. Ronaldo has built up a very impressive partnership with Andre Silva and their link up upfront will be key for Portugal’s chances.