Deco primed for last hoorah
Portugal midfielder’s departure - Why we should care
 As the 2010 South African World Cup begins in June, and millions of soccer fans across the world look on, Portugal’s playmaker, the maestro, Deco, will be playing his last games for the “seleccao das quinas.”
Ricardo Costa presents his appreciation of the midfielder’s contribution to the national team and tells us to expect something special from the two-time Champions League winner.
As the 2010 South African World Cup begins in June, and millions of soccer fans across the world look on, Portugal’s playmaker, the maestro, Deco, will be playing the last games for the “seleccao das quinas.” The magical and creative midfielder, who has run the gauntlets for the Portuguese national team since 2002, announced his retirement recently and will walk away from his international career following the summer’s World Cup.
Now, if you are a soccer critic like me, with any sense of logic, you will recognize that this vacancy in our “midfield” has been handed a very serious blow. Deco’s style and finesse leaves its impression on the pitch every game and is why our fans enjoy the smooth transition he often employs. It doesn’t matter what you think about him personally – but we have to understand that his passing is analogous to our transition to offence. Time and time again his passes wreak havoc on the opposing defence. I’m sure Portugal’s forwards have something to worry about after this summer.
His international career has spanned 8 years with 2 European Championships and 2 World Cups (including 2010) which comprises Portugal’s best tournament run in its football history. His presence as a world-class playmaker sparked Champions League glory under the Mourinho era at Porto, and more silverware at top world clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea.
Superb Euro 2008
But even with his success, of course, the world of Portuguese football has its share of critics. Criticism for his inconsistency has been a constant plague to him by indulging in his personal and professional mishaps. But who hasn’t been a target? So what if he’s doleful and mumbles through the national anthem. Judgment should be made on his performance rather than political rhapsodies. Looking back at Euro 2008, before which his health and recent results had fallen sour with fans and the media, he once again silenced everyone with a superb performance in the tournament. Was his performance based on his excitement of a new contract at Chelsea? Was it a rejuvenation of his health? Maybe it’s his little secret.
Nevertheless, the 32-year-old old must carry on, and carry on he must for Portugal’s sake! South Africa is a destination of glory for every Portuguese supporter and we must support everyone. Don’t forget who we get to play in our group stage. That’s right, Brazil! For some reason I think Deco is feeling a bit nostalgic. If you care to remember, it was against Brazil that Deco debuted for the national team and scored a late free kick to beat them at the old Estadio das Antas. In conclusion, the script for South Africa 2010 couldn’t have been written any better… and Deco’s last hoorah may be something very special!
by Ricardo Costa
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I hope he goes out with a bang, not with a whimper. He was truly great when he was at his best.
It really makes you wonder just what Portugal would've achieved if Cristiano Ronaldo were about 5-6 years older. Imagine the team that Portugal would've had at WC 2002, Euro 2004, and WC 2006 with Ronaldo being in his prime (remember that it was only after the WC in 06' that Ronaldo became a superstar). I definitely see some silverware somewhere in there with the likes of Figo, Deco, and Ronaldo all at their prime.