Player Watch: Vieirinha

The first time I watched Vieirinha play seven years ago, I became an immediate fan. At the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship, he launched a missile from within Portugal's own half that only had one destination - Cameroon's goal. I was awe struck, and followed his career from that moment on. Furthermore, at the 2003 UEFA U-17 Football Championship, he won Player of the Tournament ahead of Cesc Fabregas. He was formed in the youth ranks of Vitoria de Guimaraes, and snatched up by Porto after his brilliant 2003. Fast forward through a few loan moves to the present, and he is currently plying his trade under Fernando Santos for Greek side PAOK. His stellar performances since his arrival two years ago have helped transform the club. PAOK finished 9th in the 2007-08 season before his arrival, but bettered that by five spots with his help in the 2008-09 campaign. Now 24, he has lead the charge for PAOK in the current campaign, lifting them to second place, and bagging seven goals and numerous assists in the progress. I firmly believe Vieirinha can cement a worldwide status for himself if he joins a league with greater international exposure. His huge talent is undeniable, and recently put on a show for the Portugal U-23 squad against Wales, where he brilliantly set up two goals. Given his call up to the U-23 squad, it's known he's on Queiroz's radar, but let's hope Queiroz gives him a shot at the big time sooner rather than later.

Big Trouble in Little China

Portugal limped to an insipid, uninspiring victory over the Chinese yesterday. Although we had the lion's share of possession, complete control from the opening whistle, and looked rather comfortable on the ball, it was still a victory that lacked a cutting edge in front of the opposition's goal. We came close several times - including a Chinese clearance off their goal line, and a couple cracks of the framework - but we simply didn't punish them and bury our chances as we should have. This concerns me because when we come up against better opposition at the World Cup, the number of chances will be far fewer, and if our conversion rate remains the same, we just won't have a chance at winning anything! What particularly irked me was in the second half when Hugo Almeida dropped to the left wing, and took the responsibility of sending in cross after cross...First of all, he is a STRIKER, and secondly, he was our largest threat up front, he should be on the end of the crosses, not delivering them! Some could argue that the wholesale changes at the half compromised the fluidity created by the initial XI, but I say that's a bunch of bullocks! If we truly have one of the best squads in the world, then even our bench should be able to take care of the 83rd FIFA ranked Chinese!

Player Watch: Makukula

Makukula is staking his claim for a call-up to the selecção - he has scored 16 goals so far this season for Kayserispor in the Turkish Super League, currently lifting them to 5th place with as many as 2 games in hand against the teams in front of them. Take a look at the goal he scored over the weekend. It sure would be great to have a tall, physically imposing target man up front to launch a long ball or two up to throughout a game. He may be able to sneak onto the squad as our third striker behind Liedson and Hugo Almeida, and ahead of Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga. Personally, as much as I love Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga, I feel as though now is Makukula's time. He should be given the chance, so make the call Queiroz!

The Fountain of Youth

The skill and leadership of Figo...

The vision and elegance of Rui Costa...

The trickery and elusiveness of João Pinto...

The speed and power of Eusébio...

The control and efficiency of Mario Coluna...

The tenacity and commitment of Sergio Conceição...

If you could offer any three retired Portuguese internationals - such as those mentioned above - a sip of water from the fountain of youth, who would you bring back into the fold to help us at this summer's World Cup?

Personally, I'd choose the following:

1. Eusebio - to have a legitimate threat up front for 90 minutes
2. Figo - to serve as our team captain and lead us to victory
3. Rui Costa - to pull the strings from midfield and provide fluidity

On deck:

4. Mario Coluna
5. João Pinto

Plastic Jerseys!

Nike raised a few eyebrows in London yesterday during the official unveiling of their away kits for this summer's World Cup. They announced that their nine national teams - Portugal and Brasil included - will wear tops made entirely from polyester. Nike claims this green approach will prevent approximately 13 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills, with each shirt made from up to eight recycled plastic bottles. Nike's fabric suppliers melted down discarded plastic bottles to produce new yarn that was ultimately converted to fabric for the jerseys. It's great to see such a massive and powerful corporation in Nike making a responsible, socially aware decision that promotes environmental preservation.


In the first picture above, Nani is seen modeling the away kit. And in the second image - a promotional action shot by Nike - Ronaldo is wearing Portugal's home kit. Which kit do you like better? Are you as fond of these jerseys as previous ones?

The Exorcism

Let us mark today, Thursday, February 25, 2010, as the day that Sporting finally liberated itself from the evil clutches of Hades. No longer will our leões be dragged through the mud as he tries to pull them down into his lifeless netherworld...

In addition to Sporting's astounding 3-0 triumph over a highly in form Everton today - who have deservedly beaten both Chelsea and Manchester United recently - Sporting announced the appointment of Costinha as their director of football. The decision to bring on board a "highly ambitious, natural winner" in Costinha has been met by plenty of excitement, and given the thumbs up by the fans.

If things continue to unfold this way for Sporting in the coming months, then their pastures will definitely start to look a bit greener.

Laces P'ra Fora, Hard Com Força!

Ronaldo has arguably grown into the world's best free kick taker. He has a unique style of striking the ball, and puts a swerve on it like no one else can. His confidence in his striking ability allows him to take shots most wouldn't even attempt in a scrimmage. This makes his free kicks very dangerous, as a keeper has no clue as to where he might place it. Also, the exceptional way he strikes the ball - with such raw power - generates so much acceleration, that even if a keeper goes the right way, they'll never make it on time to stop it.

Even though Ronaldo's free kicks have become legendary, I still think Portugal has a few other set piece specialists who should be given a fair chance. Depending where the ball is on the field, these other players might be better suited to take the free kick. For example, for free kicks on the left side close to the 18 yard box, I'd prefer Simão's right boot, and for free kicks on the right side close to the 18 yard box, I'd prefer Miguel Veloso or Duda (for their left feet). Any free kicks centrally located, or further than 18 yards out, I'd prefer Ronaldo's technique.

Who do you think Queiroz should have taking our free kicks? Do you want Ronaldo taking all of them? Or do you agree in dividing the responsibility? And if so, who else do you want to see taking them?

Então Brazuca, Tudo Legal?

The sensitive issue of calling up naturalised Brasilians to our selecção has been around since Deco's first inclusion back in 2003. At first, highly respected team members such as Luis Figo and Rui Costa opposed the decision, and criticized the direction taken by the FPF. However, they later recognized Deco's immense value, and accepted him as one of their own.

Fast forward seven years, and two more Brasilians have joined the ranks - Pepe and Liedson. There is no questioning the talent of these three Luso-Brasileiros, however, there still exists a fundamental debate here. Is it acceptable to be naturalizing Brasilians, and having them take the place of a Portuguese born player, when there are in fact so many to choose from? I will be the first to admit that Pepe, Deco, and Liedson are simply better at what they do than anybody else in Portuguese soccer, as they are simply that good. However, is it acceptable to do this?

Many other successful, proven footballing nations including the likes of Spain, Germany, Croatia, Japan, Italy, France, Sweden, England, etc. have all used or still use naturalised players, so this concept is not new or isolated by any means. The problem here is knowing where to draw the line. If the boundary continually gets pushed further and further, then the national teams won't really represent the country on the jersey anymore, and it'll simply become another level of club football. In Portugal's defense, they can at least argue Brasil was once a colony, and that there are a lot of Portuguese roots still in Brasil.

Anyway, I'm a huge fan of Deco, Liedson, and Pepe, and they've definitely helped our national team a great deal, however, I'm a little wary of naturalising anyone else at this point. What do you think?

I Gotta Feeling...

Although this wouldn't be my first choice for Portugal's World Cup anthem, I must admit I do think it will work. With its infectious beat and catchy lyrics, I easily see it catching on with all generations of the selecção faithful, and eventually developing a deeper meaning for all of us.

Now play the official video, and picture Ronaldo in our opening match unleashing a scud missile from 30 yards out, beating Ivory Coast's hapless keeper...

Portugal will open the tournament with a convincing victory over Ivory Coast, and then we'll do it again, let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, and do it and do it, let's live it up!

Os Dragoes Spit Hot Fire in Their 2-1 Victory!

Today's Porto-Arsenal match up was a heated affair contested at a frenetic pace, and was a great showcase of all soccer has to offer. Even the most casual of fans would have thoroughly enjoyed it. There was something for everyone; bone crushing tackles, end to end action, fluid ball movement, mazy dribbles, and a whole lot of controversy.

The Swedish referee, Martin Hansson, who is no stranger to the spotlight - it was under his watch that France dispelled Ireland with a certain hand ball you may have heard about - again put in a questionable performance. He simply allowed the players to get away with too much. This all boiled over during Porto's goal. Hansson correctly whistled down Fabianski's infringement when he picked up a back pass from Sol Campbell; however, his allowance of Porto's astute free kick, though technically correct, was a bit dubious in my opinion. Kudos to Ruben Micael and Falcao's quick wit, but I know that had it played out differently, with the tables turned, I would have been furious Porto suffered such a defeat. Either way, I'm extremely satisfied with Porto's victory tonight, and hope they go very far in this tournament, as they are great representatives of the Portuguese league.

What are your thoughts on Hansson's decision? Do you agree with the way that goal was scored?

P.S. Silvestre Varela scored his 11th goal in all competitions, and put in a Man of the Match performance according to UEFA. The national team awaits...

P.P.S. I wish Hulk was Portuguese, what a sensational player!