José Romão announced today the 18 players called up to the Olympic Games plus the 4 back-ups.

Keepers:

Moreira (Benfica)
Bruno Vale (F.C. Porto)

Defenders:
Ricardo Costa (F.C. Porto)
Bruno Alves (F.C. Porto)
Jorge Ribeiro (Gil Vicente)
Mário Sérgio (Sporting)
Fernando Meira (Estugarda)

Midfielders:
Hugo Viana (Sporting)
Tiago (Chelsea)
Bosingwa (F.C. Porto)
Raul Meireles (F.C. Porto)
Frechaut (Boavista)
Carlos Martins (Sporting)
Danny (Sporting)

Forwards:
Boa Morte (Fulham)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Lourenço (Belenenses)
Hélder Postiga (F.C. Porto)

Stand by: Beto II (Sporting), Custódio (Sporting), João Paulo (U. Leiria) e Hugo Almeida (F.C. Porto)

Seems like a good, strong squad for me. I only was surprised with 2 of the over-age (I was expecting Meira, but not Frechaut and Boa Morte, but they are good options) and with the fact that Hugo Almeida is out. I would prefer him over Lourenço.

Anyway, with this players we can believe in a good tournament and maybe think about a medal. At least on paper we are one of the strongest teams in the Olympics. Now let's hope we also show that on the field.

Originally posted by Nakamura


Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)


:(

No Miguelito? Only 5 defenders? What the **** is Romao smoking?

Other then that the squad looks fine, but unless we're playing 3 at the back, I find only calling 5 ridiculously ridiculous.

I would prefer to see Custódio instead of Bosingwa also. We already have Frechaut there who´s playing style is quite similiar to Bosingwa´s. And wtf is with Lourenço instead of Hugo Almeida? Terrible move, José Romão is clearly the weakest link on our squad.

Originally posted by Aveirenses
No Miguelito? Only 5 defenders? What the **** is Romao smoking?

Other then that the squad looks fine, but unless we're playing 3 at the back, I find only calling 5 ridiculously ridiculous.

Well, actually we have 7, because both Frechaut and Bosingwa can also play in the defense. I don't see much of a problem considering this, but yeah, it can be a risky situation if someone gets injured or suspended. Anyway, I think I would have picked the same number of players in each position if I was him. One more defender and the team would be weaker in the midfield or in the front. It was a smart decision calling polyvalent players like Bosingwa and Frechaut... The main problem to me is that, like Romão also mentioned, 18 players is a small number of players for this kind of competition. 20 or 22 would be better.

what a crap squad really :(

I'm sad...

I was hoping for Carvalho and Maniche to go.

While Italy is taking Pirlo we're taking Frechaut ROFL

What about Quaresma?


No way in hell we'll win that thing now.

What´s the real gain in having two players, with the exact kind of caractheristics and "polivalência"? I don´t agree with the call-up specially when you see someone like Hugo Almeida out when he did so much for our Nt. Hugo Almeida was an extremely important player. He has good physical presence, good heading power, reasonable techinic and he has great work rate. He is a menace to any defence. He has the caractheristics, that our Nt teams have been lacking in last decade in what concerns strikers. Im dissapointed that he wasn´t called up.

f*ck Romao what a twat :kader:

Originally posted by Virgo
what a crap squad really :(

I'm sad...

I was hoping for Carvalho and Maniche to go.

While Italy is taking Pirlo we're taking Frechaut ROFL

What about Quaresma?


No way in hell we'll win that thing now.

Man, why the hell are you always so negative? You're always criticizing... Whether it's regarding Portugal or Benfica... I'm not attacking you, I'm just being honest and expressing something I've noticed and that I find odd.

I don't undertand you, really. You may not like the squad, it may not be as good as you would've have want it, but saying it is a weak squad is ridiculous. It's a pretty good squad.

Also, I'm sure Romão would have love to take Carvalho, Maniche, Figo or other great players. Who wouln't? But the truth is that they are essential players to their clubs, that had very long seasons last year, with many games (plus the Euro 2004) and the clubs wouln't like them to go. Imagine what their reaction would be? We have to be realistic. These are sensitive matters, that must be dealt with caution and trying to find a balance, that pleases all. I think this has been achieved. It's already pretty good to have players like Ronaldo, Meira, Postiga or Tiago in the team.

But I agree that Hugo Almeida should have been called, clearly.

Almeida should have been called, what about Quaresma. thats a shock to me. Carlitos?oh well

starting lie-up
=============Moreira=============
M.Sergio===R.Costa===F.Meira===J.Ribeiro
=========Bosingwa/Meireles=========
======Tiago=====================
================Hugo Viana======
Ronaldo=================Boa Morte
==============Postiga===========

Originally posted by Paulo Da Silva
Almeida should have been called, what about Quaresma. thats a shock to me. Carlitos?oh well

Romão said that Quaresma and Makukula weren't called because the medical staff from their clubs (Porto and Sevilla) said that they aren't fully recovered yet. Plus, I think it wouldn't be a good idea to call players that haven't played for more than 4 months.

Originally posted by Nakamura
Romão said that Quaresma and Makukula weren't called because the medical staff from their clubs (Porto and Sevilla) said that they aren't fully recovered yet. Plus, I think it wouldn't be a good idea to call players that haven't played for more than 4 months.

good point.

i was happy to see there is no the name of C. Ronaldo in the midfielders list.... but finally i found that i was wrong when i scroll down and see C. Ronaldo in the Forwards list :(

so when will C. Ronaldo be able to come back to Old Trafford?

Originally posted by Nakamura
Man, why the hell are you always so negative? You're always criticizing... Whether it's regarding Portugal or Benfica... I'm not attacking you, I'm just being honest and expressing something I've noticed and that I find odd.

I don't undertand you, really. You may not like the squad, it may not be as good as you would've have want it, but saying it is a weak squad is ridiculous. It's a pretty good squad.

Also, I'm sure Romão would have love to take Carvalho, Maniche, Figo or other great players. Who wouln't? But the truth is that they are essential players to their clubs, that had very long seasons last year, with many games (plus the Euro 2004) and the clubs wouln't like them to go. Imagine what their reaction would be? We have to be realistic. These are sensitive matters, that must be dealt with caution and trying to find a balance, that pleases all. I think this has been achieved. It's already pretty good to have players like Ronaldo, Meira, Postiga or Tiago in the team.

But I agree that Hugo Almeida should have been called, clearly.



Call me realistic not negative.

Are you saying that Frechaut, Meira and Boa Morte aren't very important to their clubs? They all are starters.

Just because they don't play in Real Madrid or Porto doesn't mean that they are more or less important to their clubs and their clubs would be less willing to let them go.

The FACT here is that Maniche and Carvalho both expressed their desire to be at the Olympic team publically and instead of them we get 3 players that weren't even in the Euro2004 squad, whose utility (beside Meira) is very questionable as we already had enough depth in the U23 squad as it was in their positions.

I'm not saying I won't support the team but I do have the right to be disappointed with these stupid choices even if I do think we won't win crap as we never do. Especially when other national teams are calling up world class players to fill in those 3 spots available.

we should've called up Pauleta, maybe he would score.lol

Originally posted by Virgo
Call me realistic not negative.

Are you saying that Frechaut, Meira and Boa Morte aren't very important to their clubs? They all are starters.

Just because they don't play in Real Madrid or Porto doesn't mean that they are more or less important to their clubs and their clubs would be less willing to let them go.

The FACT here is that Maniche and Carvalho both expressed their desire to be at the Olympic team publically and instead of them we get 3 players that weren't even in the Euro2004 squad, whose utility (beside Meira) is very questionable as we already had enough depth in the U23 squad as it was in their positions.

I'm not saying I won't support the team but I do have the right to be disappointed with these stupid choices even if I do think we won't win crap as we never do. Especially when other national teams are calling up world class players to fill in those 3 spots available.

Like I said, I think you are too negative, but it's just my personal and honest opinion. That hasn't got anything to do with the quality of your posts and opinions (which I happen to like, although obviously sometimes I have different opinions). It was just an observation I made and decided to tell you. Of course you have the right to be disappointed and criticize, of having a different opinion.

I fully understand your position. But mine is different, because of the reasons I already mentioned in my previous post. I think it is true that clubs are more reluctant of having their star/best players miss the start of the season. And of course that's not saying that those who are going aren't important. They are, that's why they were called in the first place. But clearly, for instance, Porto accepts more easily Bosingwa going then Maniche.

Also, imagine this:
Instead of Bosingwa, Maniche and Carvalho had been called, as well as Hugo Almeida. Porto would be giving 8 (!!!) players to the Olympic team. That's also a FACT. Do you think they would accept that? Do you think that's reasonable, even more considering they have the Portuguese and European supercups to play? I don't and as much as I would like to have those players on the squad, I totally understand why they weren't called.

Alright, quit fighting. The real question is, where will it be televised in the US? :)

i think the squad is fair, Porto have two important games against Valencia and Benfica so we can't afford to lose half our players

Originally posted by Nuno79
Alright, quit fighting. The real question is, where will it be televised in the US? :)
They SHOULD be aired on NBC, from what I've seen/heard. :)

Originally posted by Aveirenses
They SHOULD be aired on NBC, from what I've seen/heard. :)

NBC has the rights. I'm not sure where the games will be aired but i know for sure Telemundo (NBC owned) will air some matches. I'll try to find a schedule.

someone from the Record forum said:

a lista e revoltante. a incompetencia ou obscuridade desta lista. alguma coisa s passa! levamos so 3 centrais(jogamos c 2) so convocamos 2 extremos(jogamos c 2) e convocamos 6 medios centros!(jogamos c 2). n ha nenhum treinador k eu odeie mais k este romao. conseguiu a proeza d por 1 magnifiko grupo d jogadores a jogar miseravelmente. dvia ter convocado o carlitos e o hugo almeida(grande europeu),o joao pereira(extremo k tb joga a lateral) e miguel garcia(lateral k pode jogar a central!)


and I agree... this list looks like it was done on his knee

I think the team is good but has too much CM. Romão only called 2 wingers, and we will use 2 and only 3 CB's and we will use 2 so it's an unbalanced team. i think for example Carlitos DESERVED to be on this list after his great display in the U21 Euro and would be another options for the wingers. Now GO PORTUGAL bring the gold and take the revenge on that greeks :crazyboy:

I heard Felipão was going to be coaching Portugal at the Olympics. God that was wrong. Sorry but this squad lacks depth in some areas they need depth, and have too much depth in areas they dont need. It's unbalanced.

And Quaresma should've been called. Regardless of his form and lacking of match practice, he's got class. He would do a good job coming off the bench and with one of his individual plays he could decide a game. Ronaldo came back from a 2-3 years injury and scored 8 goals in the WC 2002. Quaresma is no Ronaldo but he has a lot of abilities and on his day he's as good as C. Ronaldo.

And having 2 players of the calibre of C. Ronaldo on the team is great.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/tvlistings/5022016/detail.html

So the games will be on telemundo... so I can just mute the dumbass commentators on there and put on TSF's stream. (H)

August 12th/Iraq-Portugal LIVE on MSNBC starting at 1:00 PM Eastern.

August 18th/Costa Rica-Portugal will be shown on tape delay on TeleMundo at around 6:00 PM Eastern.

I couldn't find the fixture between Morrocco/Portugal...

Originally posted by Paulo Da Silva
i think the squad is fair, Porto have two important games against Valencia and Benfica so we can't afford to lose half our players

I think that's the main reason why players like Quaresma or even R.Carvalho or Maniche weren't called, the club needs them... :rolleyes: Anyway the team looks good and i think we can have a chance of getting a medal, let's see what happens... (H)

Originally posted by Nakamura

Bruno Vale (F.C. Porto)
Stand by: Beto II (Sporting),

Bruno Vale (Celta)
Beto (Free agent)

;)

That's true... :p

I would make the line-up like these:

-------------Moreira---------------

Frechaut-----R.Costa-----F.Meira------J.Ribeiro

---------------Bonsingwa--------------

------Tiago------------------------------

----------------------------Hugo Viana

C.Ronaldo--------------------Boa Morte

------------------Postiga------------------

I agree with the above post, but I would have Viana and Tiago side by side in the center of the pitch, since Viana isn't a true left fielder, and maybe I'd put Meireles instead of Bosingwa in the DMC.

Originally posted by O Corinthiano
I would make the line-up like these:

-------------Moreira---------------

Frechaut-----R.Costa-----F.Meira------J.Ribeiro

---------------Bonsingwa--------------

------Tiago------------------------------

----------------------------Hugo Viana

C.Ronaldo--------------------Boa Morte

------------------Postiga------------------

that' almost exactly the same team i posted excpet for Frecahaut, and it seems like a better idea. that team looks great and can do some serious harm. I'm afraid our bench isn't that good. Imagine if Postiga gets injured, Lourenco will play, the guy looks like he can't even walk. his legs are so far apart. Hugo Almeida would be a better back-up

Is Ronaldo still coming to the US for the friendly matches???

No, that would be a big mistake.

Exactly what I was expecting to happen happened: Reinaldo Teles said yesterday night that Porto is very angry with the fact that so many players (six) from the club have been called to the Olympics.

Now imagine if Ricardo Carvalho and Maniche had also been called! :o I told you so...

ähm... sorry for spam..., but i've a question... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
How can I get an avatar like Nuno??? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Nakamura
Exactly what I was expecting to happen happened: Reinaldo Teles said yesterday night that Porto is very angry with the fact that so many players (six) from the club have been called to the Olympics.

Now imagine if Ricardo Carvalho and Maniche had also been called! :o I told you so...
Jesus ******* christ. Before it was all the bull**** about NOT calling up their players, and now we do and their still pissed... I say ****'em in the ass.:kader:

I can't wait for the games to start. We got a very strong squad representing us. I think we'll do fine. We might even win the gold.

F*ck Porto and Reinaldo Teles.

The national team's interests should always come first except in friendlies, until we understand this we won't win anything

Porto is never happy. If they don't call them it's because they bitch because they don't call, if they call they bitch because they call... :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Virgo
F*ck Porto and Reinaldo Teles.

The national team's interests should always come first except in friendlies, until we understand this we won't win anything

Yes, you're rigth. Unfortunately, it's the mentality we have in Portuguese football...

Originally posted by Punkt
Porto is never happy. If they don't call them it's because they bitch because they don't call, if they call they bitch because they call... :rolleyes:

Totally. And this is what bothers me most. Obviously they want to protect their interests, I'm fine with that. But the fact is that they always criticize the FPF and the coaches there, whether they call their players, whether they don't. That's incomprehensible to me...