I'm in disagreement, if people think that squads/clubs are now going to go to the "false 9" lineup. The only reason Spain used it was because Villa was injured. They had no confidence in Torres and others didn't fit style of play. Let me also remind people that Spain has an abundance of world class mids that can control, pass and move with and without the ball. Most clubs, nevermind Int'l ones, possess such abundance of riches.

The only club that comes close to using such a formation successfully was Napoli. I use the term successfully because it was for them, but it still didn't bring consistency or titles.
They used a 4-2-1-3 formation that basically employed seven defensive players and allowed Cavani, Lavezzi and Hamsik the freedom up top. Inler supported but mostly to clog up middle.

I actually believe that the Seleccao needs a #10 just as badly. We never had a threat going up the middle, that had that killer pass or shot. Moutinho and Meireles are the same type of players, and neither is a traditional #10.
People are also very high on Varela, and I just don't see it. He had an awful year at Porto, in which he was unable to crack the lineup consistently for a club that had issues scoring. I have to see much improvement from him, in order to demand or expect anything form him.
Let me also say that putting Cristiano in the middle is ridiculous. Maybe when he's old and can't move anymore. But right now he's most potent going at defenders from a wide position. He may move all over the field, but if you have watched any of his matches, he's still a winger. Also, him being out wide pulls players to his side and opens up middle, hence the need for a true #10. If Cristiano is in the middle it just clogs it and defenders will be happy to send the ball wide.

I thought that we had a very good tourney. We lost to the eventual champs in penalties, so there's no shame in that. We also had opportunities to win it in regular time, but it didn't happen.

As for U19, individual talent counts as much as teamwork. It will be interesting to see who will emerge out of the bunch.

I would like to add that there's obviously a lot of Portuguese players playing abroad, but I don't think there's a possible "big" youngster at a "big" club developing. You can say Nelson, but he'll have a hard time cracking Benfica's lineup unless Cardozo goes.
I'm curious to see if Rudi might just get a bigger look at a bigger league and club after this season or even come January. He's a true striker.
People have been clamoring for Vaz Te, but he's more of a right wing forward.

I reckon our best attack would be a front 3 of Ronaldo, Nani and Varela, all 3 constantly changing positions in the front 3. We've already seen how well CR7 and Nani can assist each-other for goals, add Varela to the equation with his pace and clear eye for goal, and we'd have a frontline that could really bemuse defences. Varela is mainly a winger, but can play as a forward too...I even remember him scoring with a header against Chile in a friendly not too long ago!

Our 4-3-3 with a lone centre-forward (used for so long now) has become predictable and easy for opponents to plot defending against, especially those that plan to park the bus all match long! It would only be really effective with a proper world class number 9, which unfortunately we don't have. Alternatively, with Danny in the team in his proper position as an offensive number 10, the 4-3-3 could work as Danny could get forward to suppourt the centre-forward through the middle (albeit we would probably lose some defensive strength with this formation, so would probably be best against weaker opposition)

Our first WC qualifier is against Luxembourg, an almost guaranteed 3 points regardless, so I'd like to see Bento use this match as a perfect opportunity to try out the fluid front 3 of CR7, Nani and Varela. If it's not working he could always bring on Postiga or Oliveira at half-time...Experimentation is a good thing at this point because attack, or rather clinical finishing, was clearly our weakness at the Euros. FORCA!!!

Why not take a look at neustros hermanos and use a false nine?