For all of its history, Portugal is yet to lift a major trophy in international football. The Navigators had their best World Cup finish in 1966, finishing third in the tournament. On Tuesday, head coach Paul Bento named the provisional 30-man roster that will attempt to rectify that.
Notable names include Real Madrid's Pepe, Fabio Coentrao and Manchester United's Nani. It's fellow Madrista Cristiano Ronaldo, however, that's on everyone's mind. The reigning FIFA Ballon d'Or winner has seen limited action in recent weeks, attempting to recover from muscle fatigue ahead of the UEFA Champions League final in Lisbon. According to manager Carlo Ancelotti, fitness will not be an issue come May 24 (h/t to ESPN). "Ronaldo underwent treatment this morning and is almost fully recovered," Ancelotti said.
"We have a fortnight to prepare for the match and I think they'll be completely fit for the final," he added. "I think he'll be able to play against Espanyol [next Saturday]."
A fit Ronaldo will be essential if Portugal plan to escape Group G—the second-toughest group the World Cup boasts.
Below is the complete provisional roster (h/t to SBI) and a projected starting XI for Brazil.
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Sevilha), Eduardo (SC Braga) e Rui Patrício (Sporting)
Defenders: André Almeida (Benfica), Antunes (Málaga), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahçe), Fábio Coentrão (Real Madrid), João Pereira (Valência), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valência) e Rolando (Inter)
Midfielders: André Gomes (Benfica), João Mário (Vitória FC), João Moutinho (Mónaco), Miguel Veloso (D. Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahçe), Rúben Amorim (Benfica) e William Carvalho (Sporting)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), éder (SC Braga), Hélder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (SC Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto), Varela (FC Porto) e Vieirinha (Wolfsburgo)
Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Patricio; Coentrao, Alves, Pepe, Pereira; Moutinho, Veloso, Meireles; Ronaldo, Postiga, Nani
Is this projected XI talented enough to advance to the Round of 16 in the 2014 World Cup? Tell us @SportsWN
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