Portugal squad for South Africa World Cup 2010

Today Carlos Queiroz announced the squad of Selecção for the World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Eduardo (Braga), Beto (FC Porto) Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis)

Defenders: Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Miguel (Valencia), Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Rolando (FC Porto), Pepe (Real Madrid), Duda (Malaga) Ze Castro (Deportivo)

Midfielders: Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Miguel Veloso (Sporting), Pedro Mendes (Sporting), Danny (Zenit St Peterburg)

Wingers/Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Nani (Manchester United), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Liedson (Sporting), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)

I will focus on the goalkeepers of course.

Eduardo is no. 1, no doubt about this. He did well during the qualifiers. When Portugal was struggling with eliminations, had a draw after a draw, he didn't let down. Did all he could - didn't allowed a goal in any of those important matches when it was "be or not to be" for Portugal.

As for Daniel he made very good and wise move. He showed he wanted to play. Had no oportunity for this in Bochum (played only once in the first half of the season) and went on the loan to Greece in the tranfer window. The rest of the season was fine for him. His performance in Iraklis was outstanding and this guaranteed him the place in the squad.

And there is also Beto. I must say I saw him in only one match, it was an international friendly. He made a very good impression on me. He moved to FC Porto after 2008/2009 season. However, Helton was the first choice goalkeeper, Beto remained the second one and spent most of this season on the bench. According to ESPN stats he stared in only seven matches in 2009/2010. Last one was at 8th May. Seems his last perfromances were good enough to win him the place in the squad.

It seems that the time of Ricardo and Quim in the national team came to an end for good. Ricardo haven't been playing for months unfortunately. Quim appears quite reguallary but apparently Queiroz didn't want to give him a second chance.

Rui Patricio was also dropped from the call-up list. But he still has time. He can make his way back to Selecção by Euro 2012. The other two - it's highly unlikely.