Luis Figo believes Portugal have one of the best teams ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, and has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver for the Selecao without any concerns.
Portugal had to go through the UEFA play-off route to secure qualification for their eighth tournament and sixth in succession. Fernando Santos’ side overcame North Macedonia in the Path C final 2-0 this March, having only ended their qualifying group second to Serbia.
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Defeat in the play-offs would have meant Portugal failed to qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1998. Now, Figo is hopeful of seeing Santos guide the Selecao to their first final – and even win the whole thing – this December, with a previous-best result of third.
Portugal claimed what is currently their best World Cup finish in 1966 after finishing third in the tournament England hosted. They would not reach the semi-finals stage again until 2006 in Germany, but lost to France and lost to Die Mannschaft in the third-place play-off.
The Round of 16 has since been the furthest that Ronaldo and co could reach with second round exits in 2010 and 2018. Portugal also crashed out of the 2014 edition in Brazil after only the group stage, finishing the round third in Group C – behind Germany and the USA.
Figo tips Ronaldo to deliver ‘without a doubt’ for Portugal at Qatar World Cup
Ronaldo will again be the headline name in Portugal’s squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar. Santos can also call on Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Man City’s Bernardo Silva, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, Wolves’ Goncalo Guedes and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota upfront.
The Selecao are blessed with forward threats, plus midfielders like Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and defenders like Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes. So, Figo feels his home country has the weapons to go deep into the tournament and possibly win the World Cup in Qatar.
“Portugal has one of the best teams in the world,” 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Figo explained, via quotes by O Jogo. “But it is logical that winning a European or world championship depends on many factors, not only individual or collective quality,”
“But I have every hope that Portugal can express all its value and achieve the goal of reaching the final, and winning the world championship.”
Figo is also certain that Ronaldo will have a positive influence on Portugal’s performances at the World Cup in Qatar. The 37-year-old has endured a turbulent start to the domestic season after failing to seal a move away from Manchester United and falling to the bench.
“Nobody has doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s quality, delivery and professionalism,” Figo added. “I’m sure he’ll perform at the World Cup in the best possible conditions – I don’t know what those conditions will be.
“But without a doubt, due to his quality and his great professionalism, I think Portugal can be calm about what he can give to the national team.”
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