No Renato Sanches in Portugal's preliminary WC squad
Portugal have named a 35-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia from June 14 onwards. Out of all the players named, young prodigy Renato Sanches has been left out. Portugal will be playing three friendly matches prior to the World Cup and are expected to name the 23-man official squad then.
Renato's form the key factor for omission
The youngster played a crucial role in Portugal's 2016 European Championships trophy win. This brought him to the fore as Bayern Munich snapped him up. But he failed to impress there after playing in 25 matches last season. He was sent on loan to Swansea City, but his downfall continued. Swansea got relegated this season and Sanches looked miserable throughout.
Can Portugal go big in Russia?
They are definitely the outsiders this season and with a lot of focus on some of the other big guns, it could bode well for Portugal. Nobody expected them to win the 2016 Euro Championships. The win against France in the final showed the grit and character. The World Cup is a bigger stage but Portugal will know they do have a shot.
Ronaldo the man to carry Portugal
The star player will once again be the force in carrying Portugal in the World Cup. With 81 goals in 149 games for his country, Ronaldo would want to make his influence felt. This year he has two goals in two matches and has been in good form. With Champions League on May 26, CR7 will miss the first friendly against Tunisia (May 28).
Know Portugal's 35-man preliminary squad
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes, Beto, Rui Patrício. Defenders: Antunes, Bruno Alves, Cédric Soares, João Cancelo, José Fonte, Luís Neto, Mário Rui, Nélson Semedo, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Ricardo Pereira, Rolando, Ruben. Midfielders: Adrien Silva, André Gomes, Bruno Fernandes, João Mário, João Moutinho, Manuel Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Sérgio Oliveira, William Carvalho. Forwards: André Silva, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Éder, Gelson Martins, Gonçalo Guedes, Nani, Paulinho, Quaresma, Ronny Lopes.
