[ad_1]
Cristiano Ronaldo seems set to swerve Wednesday’s press conference ahead of Portugal’s opening World Cup game against Ghana, less than 24 hours after Manchester United announced he had left Old Trafford.
It is commonplace for the captain to address the media alongside the coach the day before a game at the tournament.
But Ronaldo’s United and Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes has been listed on the manifest for the 11.45am press conference alongside coach Fernando Santos.
Ronaldo made a surprise appearance at a press conference at Portugal’s training camp on Monday morning when he declared himself “bullet proof” and “iron clad” and stressed he had no regrets over the explosive interview with Piers Morgan that hastened his exit from United.
Barring a late change of plan or an inaccurate listing, though, Ronaldo is not due to appear before the media ahead of his country’s opening Group H match against Ghana when the striker is expected to lead the line.
United are not paying Ronaldo a penny in compensation after both parties agreed to rip up his contract.
Portugal World Cup 2022 squad
Portugal announced their 26-man squad on November 10, which features a raft of Premier League players; City, United and Wolves are represented in triplicate, plus lone Fulham player, Joao Palhinha.
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Danilo Pereira (PSG), Pepe (FC Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Antonio Silva (SL Benfica), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham FC), Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (SL Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Otavio Monteiro (FC Porto), Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis)
Forwards: Andre Silva (RB Leipzig), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Goncalo Ramos (SL Benfica), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Ricardo Horta (SC Braga).
Who are the star names in the squad?
Cristiano Ronaldo will almost certainly be taking part in his last World Cup. The all-time leading international goalscorer will look to add the World Cup to his horde of trophies.
Bruno Fernandes will also be one to watch, as will Rafael Leao, who has been impressing at AC Milan this season.
What are Portugal’s fixtures?
What is Portugal’s World Cup record?
Portugal have appeared at the tournament seven times. On their debut appearance in 1966 they recorded their highest ever finish: third place.
Portugal have appeared at the previous five editions of the World Cup and fell in the round of 16 at Russia 2018 when they were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay.
Argentina | Australia | Belgium | Brazil | Cameroon | Canada | Costa Rica | Croatia | Denmark | Ecuador | England | France | Germany | Ghana | Iran | Japan | Mexico | Morocco | Netherlands | Poland | Portugal | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | Senegal | Serbia | South Korea | Spain | Switzerland | Tunisia | Uruguay | USA | Wales
Latest odds
Portugal are currently a best price of 14/1 to win World Cup 2022.
Other leading contenders…
-
Brazil 3/1
-
England 13/2
-
France 7/1
-
Argentina 15/2
-
Spain 9/1
-
Germany 10/1
-
Nethelands 10/1
Information correct as of November 23
[ad_2]
Source link
