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Having conquered Europe, Portugal go into the FIFA World Cup 2018 eyeing global domination. Against all odds, they produced an emphatic team-performance and defeated France in the final who were backed by home support.
Following their latest exploits at the European Championships 2016 and featuring arguably the best footballer of our generation, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal are no pushovers and shouldn't be taken lightly on the road to Russia.
In the past, Portugal shocked the entire footballing world with their record highest 4th place finish in the 2006 World Cup.
Featuring the likes of legends Figo, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and a maturing Ronaldo in their side, Portugal did the unthinkable by reaching the semifinals of the tournament eventually losing to France.
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Following poor displays in the 2010 and 2014 edition, Portugal will be looking at redemption and announcing themselves as one of the best teams in World football supporting their FIFA ratings as the fourth best nation in world football presently.
Portugal topped qualification into the World Cup final 32 against the likes of Switzerland and Hungary facing just one defeat. Portugal along with Spain, Morocco and Iran from Group B of the World Cup and are favorites to advance to at least the quarterfinals of the World Cup barring all upsets.
Possessing a youthful squad and with the expectations that come as Champions of Europe, let's take a look at five key players for Portugal at Russia for the FIFA World Cup 2018:
#1 Rui Patricio
Position: Goalkeeper
Portugal wouldn't have won the Euros 2016 without the contribution of their experienced goalkeeper, Rui Patricio, who saved the only penalty in the semifinals of the tournament against Poland. His performances also earned him a place in the 'Team of the Tournament.'
Portugal will look to the inspiration from their accomplished veteran if they are to top the group and keep favorites Spain at bay and really stake their claim at the final few places of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
With 68 appearances under his belt at the International stage and a rumored imminent move to the newly promoted EPL side Wolves, Patricio will need to impress as he allows the Portuguese attackers to score the all-important goals with freedom.
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#2 Pepe
Position: Defender
Following a 10-year stint with the Los Blancos, Pepe sought another challenge in the twilight end of his career as he moved to Turkish giants Besiktas in the 2017 summer transfer window.
The 35-year old cannot be taken for granted as he boasts of a career many could only imagine which saw him win multiple Champions Leagues and domestic league titles with Real Madrid.
The Portuguese will look to their one constant commander-in-chief at the back to recreate his performances at the Euros 2016 where he won man-of-the-match in the finals against hosts France as they won 1-0 in extra time.
Playing in his last world cup, Pepe will be as hungry as ever to end his career on a high with a fantastic showing for his nation and will have to guide the younger players in the team who will look up to him for inspiration when times get tough.
Known for his rash challenges and mature defensive displays, the centre-back will be prepared to do anything for the team as they require from him.
Portugal has drawn Spain in their group in the final 32 and Pepe will have to be alert to the Spanish attack if his team are to move to the ending stages of the tournament.
#3 Joao Moutinho
Position: Midfielder
Portugal's ever-present midfield maestro, Joao Moutinho, will lead a relatively youthful midfield forming a key partnership with 26-year-old William Carvalho as they will look to find the attackers in key positions up front and protect the defence from electric counter attacks that most teams in the World Cup possess.
The 31-year-old will be playing in his third world cup as he is seen to be the classy character for the younger players to look up to.
His best years are surely behind him as he revealed he was 'just minutes' away from joining the Spurs in a then club-record fee in 2012 but the Portuguese will be a key component of the side boasting of youthful charisma and rise up to the expectations they've raised with their European accomplishments in France at the Euros 2016.
#4 Bernardo Silva
Position: Midfielder
Bernardo Silva will be buzzing with confidence on the road to Russia following a 50 million euros move from Ligue 1 side Monaco to record-breaking EPL champions Manchester City.
The forward was not a regular in Pep's side but impressed whenever he was called upon with an impressive six goals and four assists in 15 starts for the side including some stunning goals.
Portugal's rising star will be looking to perform big in Russia and help his team advance into the latter stages of the tournament as he possesses the skill and talent in him to do so.
There is no better platform for him to prove his worth on the world's biggest stage if he wants to be a constant face of Manchester City's new star-studded era.
Having missed out on Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph with an injury, Silva will be raring to make his name in Russia and is, without doubt, one of the key players for the dark horses.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo
Position: Forward
Portugal's best ever player without doubt and arguably the best footballer our generation has ever witnessed, Ronaldo will be looking to add the one winner's medal that has eluded him in his glorious footballing career, the World Cup.
The five-time Champions League winner knows what it takes to perform on the big stage where he has consistently scored important yet stunning goals for Real Madrid; be it over-head kicks, long-range goals or vital last-minute penalties.
In 65 appearances for Portugal at International qualifiers where it all matters, he has scored an astonishing 50 goals. The 33-year-old and five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be looking to add more goals to his international tally before he retires.
A good run at the World Cup for his team will ensure he grabs a record sixth Ballon d'Or trophy and marks his name as the best footballer in World football.
All eyes will be on Ronaldo and his team as he leads dark horses Portugal to the latter stages of the tournament and competes with the likes of rivals Messi, Neymar and Salah for top spots at the World Cup 2018.
Where do you think Portugal will finish in the FIFA World Cup 2018? Let us know in the comments section.
