Portugal manager Fernando Santos is taking no chances in today’s World Cup quarter-final against Morocco as Manchester United duo Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes feature in the starting XI.
For the second successive game, former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is not included in the Portugal starting line-up, which will come as a blow for the 37-year-old who still thinks he is the best footballer in the world.
Manchester United target Goncalo Ramos starts in his place.
⏲ Chegou a HORA: Este é o nosso 11 Inicial para hoje! 👥🇵🇹 #VesteABandeira
⏲ It's TIME: This is our Starting 11 for today! 👥 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/i7N6khiFag
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) December 10, 2022
Interestingly, it seems like Dalot has replaced Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo in the Portugal team. If someone said this would be the case 12 months ago they would have been laughed at, but it shows just how much Dalot has improved this season under Erik ten Hag.
Portugal face a Morocco side that are unbeaten in their last five matches. A win today would see them become the first Arab and African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
We’ll be rooting for Portugal but we’re also mindful of getting players back early from the World Cup.
Let us know if you think Morocco will shock Portugal just like they did to Spain.
