If this is true Arsenal fans should be excited. Portugal's brightest midfield prospect right now. If he avoids injury he's set for a glittering career.
❗️EXCLUSIVO. Fábio Vieira vai ser jogador do
@Arsenal
. Já existe acordo entre o
@FCPorto
e o
#Arsenal
. Valor da cláusula de rescisão é de 40 milhões de euros.
✈️ Fábio Vieira viaja nas próximas horas para Londres.
Portugal has enjoyed its most successful ever era as a football nation largely thanks to one man. Cristiano Ronaldo has carried the Seleção countless times since 2004. Tonight it's time for others to step up and give him a helping hand.
Wonderful story. Pepe talks about arriving in Lisbon from Brazil as an 18 year old, alone, with €5 (in escudos) in his pocket. It was 6am, his connecting flight to Madeira (to sign for Marítimo) was at 11am. He had to decide: phone mum to say I've landed okay or buy a sandwich?
👀 HT Boavista 2-0 Benfica
How did Man United let this kid Angel Gomes go? A goal and an assist tonight, 3 assists on his debut, scored goal of the season the other week and been superb just about every game.
Benfica unrecognisable that half. Boavista 10 shots, Benfica 1.
Mourinho:
1 UEFA Cup final, won it
2 Champions League finals, won them
1 Europa League final, won it
1 Conference League final, won it
5 European finals, 5 different teams, always victorious. Don't care what people say, one of the greatest managers in football history.
We were told...
- Mourinho has lost it
- João Félix is a flop
- Ronaldo is on the wane
- Bruno really isn't all that
Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong. Portugal's finest footballing exports answering the critics and then some.
B24 points out Pedro Gonçalves' "absurd" levels of consistency in terms of goals/assists. Yes, Portugal have brilliant midfield options, but how he has been constantly ignored by Santos and now Martínez, hardly ever even called into the squad, is truly absurd.
Os números de Pote no Sporting são de uma consistência absurda:
▫️ 26 G/A em 20/21
▫️ 26 G/A em 21/22
▫️ 33 G/A em 22/23
▫️ 33 G/A em 23/24
Tem lugar nos convocados para o Euro? 🇵🇹
Sporting 0-5 Manchester City. City just too good. This is marvellous to experience though. Sporting fans give their team, who have given them so much joy over the past 18 months, the most rousing of sendoffs. These young players will learn from this, painful lesson, as it is.
Said it before, I'll say it again. For me this is Ronaldo's greatest ever individual performance for Portugal, even surpassing the Sweden hat-trick game. Remember this was must-win, and Portugal were down a goal early.
@nathanmotz
was there
The 2020/21 Champions League final: Manchester City vs. Chelsea.
City have won every game in the competition apart from one: a draw v FC Porto
Chelsea unbeaten in the competition apart from one game: defeat v FC Porto
Thing about Ronaldo tonight is it wasn't just the goals. Every touch, every movement, was simply brilliant. I'd argue this rivals his performance against Sweden and Eusébio versus North Korea as one the greatest individual performance by a Portuguese player in Seleção history.
Portugal's entire squad go to their fans, who give them a rapturous ovation. Pepe especially getting the hero treatment. The centre-back now in tears, being embraced and consoled by Ronaldo. Pepe one of the greatest ever Portugal players without a shadow of a doubt.
Wow! Not a dry eye among the 50,000+ crowd at the Luz at HT as Sven-Göran Eriksson walks onto the pitch, flanked by his ex-Benfica players, to rapturous applause and chanting. "I am crying, this is beautiful. Muito obrigado!" says the Swede.
It's not elegant saying "I told you so" but "I TOLD YOU SO!" Spent years shouting this man is a football genius to the world. Flabbergasted it took so long for a big club to buy him, but grateful I got to see a master of his trade live every other week for 3 years.
Bruno Fernandes has scored 14 goals in his last 19 games. That would be outstanding for a striker. He's a midfielder. He doesn't take Sporting's penalties. Could well be best player in Portugal this season - just like he was last season. In a struggling team. What a player.
What drugs are people suggesting Ronaldo legacy being ruined on? 835 career goals, 1 European Championship, 5 Champions leagues, 30 trophies won with his club sides, 5 Ballon d'Ors... versus a messy end at Man Utd.
When he hangs up his boots I wonder what people will remember 🤔
Bruno Fernandes has scored 14 goals in his last 19 games. That would be outstanding for a striker. He's a midfielder. He doesn't take Sporting's penalties. Could well be best player in Portugal this season - just like he was last season. In a struggling team. What a player.
Bruno Fernandes scores a banger.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores a banger.
Gonçalo Guedes scores a banger.
All in a day's work for Portuguese footballers abroad.
Congratulations also to the player who continues to defy all those who love to announce he is finished. Euro 2020 Golden boot winner, Cristiano Ronaldo.
This happened in 2001. Six years later, having moved from Marítimo to Porto to Real Madrid, Pepe made his debut for Portugal, choosing to represent his adopted country rather than Brazil, the country of his birth. Today he has 133 caps for Portugal, was MotM in Euro 2016 final.
Gonçalo Ramos, Pepe, João Félix out of this world. Raphaël Guerreiro, Dalot, Bruno and Bernardo also great, Leão wonder goal. But tonight one man emerges from this amazing performance with more credit than any other. His name? Fernando Santos. Got everything 100% spot on.
"He's too small, not physical enough for the EPL."
Said it before, I'll say it again. João Moutinho is the Portuguese Xavi and should receive the same level of gushing praise.
If it wasn't for Ronaldo he'd be possibly Portugal's Player of the Decade: Moutinho or Pepe.
Nothing but admiration for Ryan Gauld. He scored twice tonight as Farense won 3-0 at Vilafranquense to go top in segunda liga. He's had numerous setbacks in Portugal not of his own doing (injuries, commotion at Sporting) but seems set on staying here to prove he's a top player.
Last two retweets got me thinking. In last twenty years Portugal:
- has produced world's most high-profile player
- has produced world's most high-profile coach
- has reached semis or better in 5/10 major tournaments
- has won its first major trophy
A truly golden two decades.
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus with a heartwarming show of solidarity towards Seferovic after striker missed an open goal against Barcelona: “I’m devastated. I’ve been a coach for over 30 years and I’ve never seen one of my players miss a chance like that. It was almost impossible.”
No doubt the decision by Wolves to "go Portuguese" has paid rich dividends, but the club dropped two absolute clangers in not tying down Vitinha and Pote, two players who are going to be global superstars.
Report in today's
@Record_Portugal
about some English guy who's made it his mission to spread the word about the wonders of Portuguese football in the English-speaking world.
Ok, I've calmed down now. A bit. Portugal played shit, but when your captain is called Cristiano Ronaldo you've always got a chance. Time for a retweet blast. Send in your thoughts I'll retweet in next 10 minutes.
Pepe: "The experience really marked me. This person didn't know who I was. I didn't know him. But the gesture helped me for the rest of my life. From that moment, Portugal was always my first option."
Just a reminder that the Porto captain, still running around after 120 minutes while all others were dropping like flies, turned 41 years old a couple of weeks ago
No stop to the incredible events at Sporting. Bas Dost (the 1st foreign player) announces he is to rescind his contract. Joins Rui Patrício, Podence, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes & Gelson Martins. I make that around €120m worth of talent who could walk out for nothing.
DESERVED!!!!!!!!!! What a night!!!!!! Amorim's stock through the roof!!!! Pote's stock through the roof!!!!!
Attention. This was no smash and grab victory. One of the best performances by Sporting in Europe I can remember in 25 years following them. Perhaps the best.
Portugal have come up with some new chants for Euro 2024. This one is superb. Please feel free to sing along!
"Sou, de Portugal eu sou!
Par' todo lado eu vou, para te ver ganhar!"
Still find it amazing that Eder scored just one goal in a competetive match for Portugal and it happened to be the most important goal in Portuguese football history. What a day.
Wow. Was not expecting this. Porto's 18-year-old striker, Fábio Silva, who has 3 senior goals to his name, has been sold to Wolves for 40 million euros.
Bruno Fernandes the best player I've seen in 30 years watching Sporting live and it's not even close. Saw Ronaldo, Figo but they weren't the players they'd become.
1st half Bruno's career at Sporting he wasn't on penalties (Bas Dost) so stats could've been even more outrageous!
Talking about sensational seasons, Farense captain Ryan Gauld won and converted a penalty then grabbed an assist as Farense earned three crucial points in a 2-0 win at Paços de Ferreira. If the Algarve team beat relegation, the Scot will have kept them up almost single-handedly.
Fernando Santos: "There are players crying in the changing room. They gave everything. Belgium had 6 shots, we had 29. Sincerely I don't have many words. We believed if we won this one, we would have gone on to win the next one. They scored, we didn't. It's football."
Bruno de Carvalho is no longer Sporting president after 71% of members voted him out at an EGM. His reaction on Facebook: "I will never again attend the sports events of the club. I no longer want to be part of a group of cretins who are not worth the air they breathe."
Perfect night for Portugal but a word of caution. North Macedonia lost only 2 of 10 matches in their qualifying group and have just knocked out Italy - in Italy.
What a moment. Benfica striker Roman Yaremchuk is subbed on, he's given the captain's armband, the whole stadium give him a massive ovation and show of support for Ukraine and Yaremchuk can barely contain his tears.
The waiter said ok, took him to the back of the shop, gave him a baguette sandwich.
Pepe: "But I don't have money?"
Waiter: "Eat, eat, eat - I'm giving it to you."
One of the great football achievements of the 21st century. Incedible job by RúbenAmorim & this Sporting team who, must be remembered, absolutely NOBODY gave a hope in hell of winning this league. Players dancing in delight on the pitch, fireworks ringing out all around Alvalade.
Incredible!
Benfica 0-1 Santa Clara, 44'
Benfica 1-1 Santa Clara, 50'
Benfica 1-2 Santa Clara, 57'
Benfica 2-2 Santa Clara, 63'
Benfica 3-2 Santa Clara, 65'
Benfica 3-3 Santa Clara, 82'
Benfica 3-4 Santa Clara, 95'
Benfica determined NOT to win the 2019/20 Primeira Liga.
Yet again Sérgio Conceição makes wine out of water. Yes, he's a bit crazy but also such a clever coach tactically. This is probably the least talented Porto squad in 20 years yet Conceição leads them to victory over very strong Arsenal side. Really intense game,Porto deserved it.
Benfica have taken 11 points from a possible 24 in their last 8 Liga matches. In that time also well beaten by Porto in Super Cup and lost League Cup semi to Braga. Covid can't explain it all. Huge pressure on coach Jorge Jesus going into Europa League tie v Arsenal on Thursday.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now won the Golden Boot in the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Champions League and at the European Championship.
And he's a four-time European Golden Shoe winner. 🏆
Huge credit especially to Rúben Amorim. Sporting had won the league just TWICE in 38 years before his arrival. Under Amorim Sporting have won the title TWICE in FOUR years. What a coach he is!!!
Decided he had to make sure his mum wouldn't worry, so he bought a phone card, called her, said everything's ok. Clean out of money. He went to Pans & Company, asked the waiter if they had some food. "Yeah, look we've got plenty," he replied.
"But I've got no money," said Pepe.
This is amazing. See how quick Ronaldo identified a possible problem, Diogo Costa's state of mind, and immediately sought to remedy the situation, including getting Pepe, the other elder statesman of the squad, up to speed on the situation.
Portugal haven't clicked yet in these Euros but very good attitude shown by the players. We even had Rafael Leão & Crisitano Ronaldo dropping back, making important defensive contributions. Bernardo answers critics in style, not only the goal. Pepe imperious - the man is ageless!
Conclusions. Portugal win which is the most important thing, top of the Group after first round of matches. Several positives from the performance - João Félix's decisive moments perhaps top of the list. It could be his World Cup. But that defence... Meu Deus
Just done the math. Sporting have accumulated 13 (THIRTEEN!) extra points in 2020/21 with goals scored after the 80th minute:
v Porto 87' - 1pt
v Santa Clara 81' - 2pts
v Gil Vicente 82' 84' 96' - 3pts
v Farense 91' - 2pts
v Benfica 92' - 2pts
v Gil Vicente 83' 91' - 3pts
Fair result. Portugal the better team in the first half, France the better team in the second half.
Another demonstration that Portugal can go toe to toe with any team in the world. Future looks good.
“I’ve got a lot to learn from Pep Guardiola, the way he pressures referees, the way he talks to opposition players and the opposition dugout. He’s a fantastic example to follow. I have to learn this. Today we were authentic angels compared to the other dugout.” - Sérgio Conceição
Now that's a picture. Before Portugal's game at Sporting's Alvalade stadium last night homage was paid to legendary Sporting scout Aurélio Pereira, the man who "discovered" Ronaldo. See the mutual respect here.
Farcical situation in Portugal's Primeira Liga. A Covid-19 outbreak has devastated B-SAD's squad but Benfica have come to town and the authorities say the show must go on...
B-SAD lining up with a 9-man team, two of whom are goalkeepers. What a joke.
Pepe, Rúben Dias and Bruno criticising the referee. Understandable I guess given the disappointment of the defeat but honestly didn't see it. Portugal aren't out because of the referee.
My individual highlights. Renato Sanches and Bernardo Silva outstanding in the first half. Portugal's best player in the second half was João Palhinha. Made a very strong case to start v Belgium. Ronaldo ice-cold when it mattered. And that Patrício save... no words.
Ronaldo bags a double as Juventus beat Sampdoria 2-1 in their unstoppable march to the Italian title. Ronaldo now has 15 goals, 8 assists in 24 games for Juve. He scored just the 49 goals in 2018. If this is Ronaldo in decline, long live his decline!
Of all the messages from Cristiano Ronaldo's ex team-mates at Real Madrid showing their respect and wishing him luck this is my favourite, from Marcelo (in Portuguese). What a line here: "Your dedication is the most bizarre thing I've ever seen in a player."
Fernando Santos: “Was putting Ronaldo on the bench the hardest decision of my career? I’ve got a very close relationship with him. I’ve known him since he was 19 and I was his coach at Sporting. Neither Cristiano nor I confuse the human side with professional matters."
Portugal winning Euro 2016/Nations League, coinciding with emergence of brilliant generation, provided perfect platform to become authentic powerhouse in international football.
Instead, FPF has milked the Euro glory for all its worth, rested on its laurels and gone backwards.
The Portuguese fans been singing the praises of Portugal's elder statesman all night, a player who has spent practically his whole career at the top level and who refuses to accept the ageing process. Yes... Pepe! What a performance. My man-of-the-match and surely he'll rest now.
Wow! Huge news in Portugal. Several Portuguese media outlets saying André Villas-Boas has won a massive victory in today's election and will be the new FC Porto president. It ends Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa's 42-year reign. Official announcement imminent.
My word you forget how mesmerisingly exciting this Portugal team was: Ronaldo, Quaresma on fire but also Deco, Miguel, Simão & co. making Brazil look like confused school kids playing against an adult team
So, if Sesko scores that goal just imagine the headlines. "Portugal sunk by their veterans". Let's not forget Pepe was man of the match v Turkey and Ronaldo showed great courage and composure (not to mention massive tomates) to score his penna in the shootout.
Wow! Bruno Fernandes starts! João Félix starts! Big call with Nelson Semedo in for João Cancelo!
Fernando, I take back every bad word I've said about you being too conservative!
Patrício
Semedo-Pepe-Dias-Guerreiro
William-Neves-Bernardo-Fernandes
Félix-Ronaldo
Love it!
It will be Portugal's 10th straight qualification for a major tournament. Before 2000 Portugal had only ever qualified for 2 World Cups & 2 Euros. Of the 9 tournaments played this century, Portugal have reached the semifinal or better 5 times. I think that qualifies as progress!
He conquered England, he conquered Spain. Italy next. It's like the spread of the Roman Empire in reverse, ha ha. Ronaldo's time at Real Madrid was insane when you think about it, right from his "low-key" presentation. 451 goals in 438 games, 4 Champions Leagues, 4 Ballon d’Ors.