PORTO • For Portugal, success begets success, forging an "almost indestructible family" mentality.
So long the nearly men on the international stage, their Euro 2016 triumph - the country's first title - was a culmination of a golden period during which they have also reached the Euro 2004 final, the 2006 World Cup semi-finals and the last four at Euro 2012.
And after clinching the inaugural Nations League with a 1-0 win over the Dutch in Porto last Sunday, Portugal have every intention of continuing their winning momentum - starting with the defence of their European Championship title.
Long-serving manager Fernando Santos, who has been at the helm since 2014, said: "Sometimes, things are not perfect, but that is not for lack of effort. For the last five years, we know what we are capable of doing. We are always candidates to win the competitions we take part in."
He made two key chances for the final, introducing Danilo Pereira instead of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves to give added protection to his team's backline, while replacing burgeoning talent Joao Felix with Goncalo Guedes.
Both moves paid off as Valencia forward Guedes scored the winner and Porto enforcer Danilo subdued Barcelona-bound Frenkie de Jong, the key midfield cog for the Dutch.
Santos said his team must not stop evolving if they are to lift more silverware. He added: "The future is here and now, right outside the door. If we look back to 2016, some of those players are no longer here - this is an ongoing process."
New blood like Benfica forward Felix - one of Europe's hottest talents - have already been given their first taste of international football while there is a talented supporting cast led by Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who picked up the Player of the Tournament award.
Portugal's undisputed star Cristiano Ronaldo, 34, however, said he had no plans to retire as he still had the "same enthusiasm" from when he won his first cap at 18.
Despite being a peripheral presence in the final, the Juventus forward still had an impressive tournament after his hat-trick in the semi-final against Switzerland.
He told Portuguese TV channel RTP: "As long as I have the strength and motivation, I will continue to represent the colours of Portugal. When I am with the national team, I feel like at home."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
The Cubs are also known as "the North Siders", a reference to the location of Wrigley Field within the city of Chicago, and in contrast to the Chicago White Sox, whose home field, Guaranteed Rate Field, is located on the South Side. Chicago Cubs won the MLB World Series 3 times but have 17 National League Pennants.
Chicago Cubs News, Scores, Status, Schedule - MLB
The Toffees will come into clash with much confidence after winning their last league clash 2-0 against Chelsea as they look to end the Hammers' six home win streak.
West Ham 0-2 Everton REPORT: Bernard and Zouma secure
Manchester City's England forward Raheem Sterling has been awarded The Integrity and Impact Award at this year's BT Sport Industry Awards for speaking out on a range of social issues, including racism. Sterling was recognised for his fight against racism in the sport and for using his platform to call for more action to be taken.
Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism
Palace rout Leicester to step up pressure on Puel | Pictures
Watford squeeze past QPR into FA Cup last eight | Reuters.com
Pep Guardiola issued an apology to Watford over the award of Manchester City's first goal on Pep Guardiola says that if the goal was offside, then he is sorry to Watford for the decision
Guardiola Sorry For Offside Goal In Manchester City Win
West Ham's Michail Antonio speaking to Sky Sports: It is beautiful. We came here and put ourselves in history and it is only right West Ham did it. They are a big rival for us, it goes way back so
Tottenham vs West Ham: Michail Antonio scores winner as Spurs
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The pressure is on in Asia as attention turns to qualification for the 2022 World Cup. Son Heung-min is among those players already calling for patience.
Kano Inconclusive Elections: Emir Sanusi Calls For Patience
Oh how much easier, simpler, sleepier, to trust in gods and in strongmen! It's worth noticing that the concept of unity as triumphant while affirming liberty and diversity is the concept under attack today. E pluribus unum means, actually, in ourselves and each other we trust. That, it turns out, may be the greatest challenge of all.
12 Powerful Ways to Trust Yourself — Purpose Fairy
Thierry Henry is on the verge of getting sacked as Monaco manager. (Source: AP) Thierry Henry was suspended by Monaco on Thursday and looked set to lose his job as coach after only three months in charge at the Ligue 1 club, with former manager Leonardo Jardim expected to take control from Friday.
Football: Suspended Thierry Henry set to lose Monaco job
Matt Boling runs Historic 44.7s anchor at Texas State Meet to steal 6a Mile Relay Gold from Desoto - Duration: 3:49. ATHLETE 2M 195 views. New
Justin Franks (I) - News - IMDb
Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opens up on why his job's so tough. Arsenal and Chelsea all aiming for European glory having got to the Champions League and Europa League finals.
Team Abu Dhabi duo aiming for more European glory - Arab News
Southampton 1-3 Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp's side return to top of Premier League after tough test at St Mary's as Liverpool reclaimed top spot in the Premier League by coming from behind to beat
Liverpool back above Man City at the top of the league
Premier League: Southampton Stun Fading Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle Edge Five-Goal Everton Thriller Updated: 09 March 2019 23:03 IST Mauricio Pochettino's men threw away an early lead through
Football: Southampton stun fading Spurs, Newcastle edge five
Football: Luis Suarez says Barcelona 'looked like schoolboys' in Champions League loss. Barcelona player Luis Suarez during the UEFA Champions League semi final 2nd leg match between Liverpool and
Barcelona defence looked like schoolboys against Liverpool
0 comments:
Post a Comment