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Tuesday, 02 March 2010 18:41

Queiroz: “Nobody’s ruled out of the World Cup squad”

Portugal coach says players will be picked on merit

Carlos QueirozCarlos Queiroz has insisted that all of Portugal’s top players are still in the running for a place in the World Cup squad.

A total of 14 players have been given their debut in the past 18 months by Queiroz, and on the eve of Portugal’s friendly match against China the Seleccao coach said he would not “close the doors” on anyone.

One of the features of Queiroz’s reign at the helm of the Seleccao has been his willingness to try out different players, in direct contrast to his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari who tended to stick to the same faces.  
 
“Practically all the players who deserve my credit and trust and that of the supporters are here. Most of them helped Portugal to qualify for the World Cup, but this does not mean they have a guarantee (of going to the World Cup),” said Queiroz.  
 
“It’s my obligation to continue to observe players, and then to choose those that can best serve the Seleccao. I’ve got to follow a set of criteria that is linked to the preparation, accumulated experience and the formation we will use at the World Cup.
 
“But in the end the decision will be made to take the players that deserve it. It would be dishonest of me to close doors now. With me, no players are ruled out.”
 

Cut-off date

As regards the players currently injured – Pepe, Bosingwa and Deco – Queiroz said that their state of health was being closely monitored by the Federation’s medical department. “Our doctors are monitoring the evolution of those who are injured. We will wait until a certain cut-off date to know whether or not we can count on them.”
 
The Portugal coach was also asked about Portugal’s first opponents in South Africa. Many believe the outcome of the clash against Ivory Coast will be crucial in whether or not the Seleccao has a good World Cup.
 
“They are one of the best African teams, with players who are automatic starters in some of the best club sides. They are a powerful team.
 
“We can’t underestimate them, but also we shouldn’t build them up too much. They know that we can beat them and it’s a good opportunity for us to win.”
 
 
Comments (15)
Peixoto
15 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 18:17
Mario/Toronto
I agree that Peixoto could be a great option. From my understanding the reason Jesus isn't playing him all the time is due to an injury. He is currently doing one on one training to recover which would discourage anyone from calling a player up. I look at all the talent Portugal has and the young players coming up and think that this team would be amazing a year from now.
portugal has no chance
14 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 18:05
oliver/berlin
qeiiroz has set a system of failure guaranteed
USA
13 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 16:56
TCosta
Portugal should play their friendlies against stronger teams than China.
Queiroz
12 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 15:56
Alves/Canada
Why does this coach play Duda at left back? Is it for set pieces? Well, we have about 4 other players who are skilled enough to fill in. Does he not realize that all he is doing is displaying Dudas inability to play defence? Duda plays Mid and plays well at that position but not left back. So why not play Peixoto who is a left back and atleast is capable of defending attackers? Mark my words, Duda without help from Carvalho, Pepe (if he's healthy) or Bruno Alves, will NOT be able to defend teams like Brasil or Ivory Coast because they will expose him at every chance they have. Queiroz find another left back.
Quaresma who? Please NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 13:52
Gogetta / USA
Quaresma is worthless. He doesn't have the talent when the pressure is on. His mental make up isn't good, and that would be catastrophic in the world cup.

I agree that Peixoto is probably our best left back, but even dopey Jesus keeps playing Coentrao there. I can't understand why.
Please no more mention of Quaresma
10 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 13:41
Pipa/Canada
Why isn't it people can't let this guy go.... he is useless in Inter and he was useless in Chelsea.

Rather see Danny or Djalo
WC Squad
9 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 11:34
Paulo/USA
Carlos Querioz should definitly call up Quaresma and Yannick Djao. They recently have been on great form even though Quaresma isnt in Mourihno's Line Up he should get called up for his talent. If Portugal is to win against China our players need to be on or itll just end up like a draw like those three Qualifying games. In addition to Yannick and Quaresma he should be calling: Eduardo, Patricio, Bruno Alves, Carvalho, Ferreira,Duda, Ronaldo, Quaresma, Nani,Simao, Mountihno, Raul Meriles, Tiago, Liedson, Yannick, Almedia
Squad
8 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 10:57
Andre/UK
There are 3 few players i would like to see in the squad that have been overlooked by Queiroz. I think Peixoto is the best left back Portugal has, nothing spectacular, but dependable and would offer more defensive assurance than Duda (who's a winger!). Secondly i think Quaresma, despite not playing regularly at Inter, should certainly be in the squad. At his best, he can be electrifying, and is the kind of flair player that would get the local South African fans cheering for this team! Lastly i cant believe Hugo Viana isnt being considered at all after the excellent season he's having with Braga. He's a midfield all-rounder who i consider the best alternative to Deco, plus he's got the experience after playing at the last WC. For me these 3 would be in the WC squad ahead of Micael, Varela and Coentrao,all 3 of whom are great talents, however too inexperienced to play at a world cup so soon, and should be saved for the 2012 qualifiers. Veloso should also be in the squad for his versatility, can also play at left back and as we've seen recently, can score goals too.
team africa wc
7 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 06:07
nelson/canada
we need s creative midfielder deco..moitinho''' twoway midfielder ..mierelles..tiago we need a defensive midfielder with weight pepe.. mendes.. we need a left back duda..veloso we need depth at wing quaresma ronaldo simao nani we need goals almeida..liedson;;;danny.. defenders alves..carvalho..rolando..miera..miguel..boswinga...eduardo........patricio
CQ=Headache
6 Wednesday, 03 March 2010 01:45
Dan/USA
This is the problem with CQ...Instead of knowing his best squad, let alone his best starting eleven, he keeps on calling players and messing the whole team system up...Stick with one squad and thats it!
Erm, Maniche?
5 Tuesday, 02 March 2010 23:25
Miggy ---- England
Remember him??

I dare Queiroz to call up this guy.
Portugal the best
4 Tuesday, 02 March 2010 22:33
Portugal
portugal rules, nobody is better than portugal
....
3 Tuesday, 02 March 2010 21:48
Mario/Toronto
I hope he doesn't mean he'll change the squad last min like he's been doing the whole time. I have faith that we have the depth to have a WC team but its just the lack of stability that creates alot of problems.
Quieroz
2 Tuesday, 02 March 2010 21:03
Nathan/USA
I hope he means what he says because I don't want anyone going to the world cup that doesn't deserve to go. Yet, it sometimes seems like he favors some of the older players like Ferreira and Deco, even if they are not playing particularly well.

I agree that Danny would be a great pick except for his injury ruled him out for so long and now that he's well the Russian league is not even playing so he probably won't get any playing time which will most likely rule him out.
I'm really hoping for great things from Micael and Varela though. We desperately need someone who can dominate the midfield now that Deco is struggling to find his form.
Danny and Manuel Fernandes!!!!!
1 Tuesday, 02 March 2010 19:38
Eddie/Trinidad
I know these two players have ahd their respective injuries and have since been out of club contention for a while but I love these two players! I like Portugal but sometimes i think the team misses strong game changing characters (besides Ronaldo of course). Danny from Zenit is a big player that can tear teams apart on attack - a game deciding player. Manuel Fernandes is a very skilled complete (in attack and defense) center midfielder with STRENGTH AND SKILL. I think Danny and Manuel should definitely be starters if they are fit! Please take them to the world cup. If they are not taken the team will surely miss them. As a side note keep it up Yannick Djalo! Its about time you get back in the starting line up.

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