Jose Mourinho believes that Portugal
have the capacity to win World Cup 2018 thanks to the presence of
Cristiano Ronaldo, Goal reports.
The Real Madrid star played a large part
in helping his country to Euro 2016 success in France, although he went
off injured early in the final, which Eder won in extra-time with the
only goal.
The Manchester United boss has backed the Ballon d’Or winner to replicate that influence in Russia.
“Portugal have an interesting squad.
Without Cristiano, it would be impossible. But with him nothing is
impossible,” he told ESPN Brazil.
Mourinho, meanwhile, believes that
Argentina are contenders for a first crown since 1986 thanks to the
individual talents of Lionel Messi.
“I believe that the Argentinian national
team without Lionel Messi wouldn’t be a contender,” he said of Jorge
Sampaoli’s side, who struggled to qualify for the competition, relying
on a hat-trick from the Barcelona ace to see them past Ecuador 3-1 in
their final qualifying match. “But with him, they’re one of the
favourites.”
Looking at the favourites due to the
strength of their squads, Mourinho picked out Brazil and Spain as two of
his top picks for the competition.
“I like the basic structure of Brazil a
great deal, their tactics and mentality,” he said. “There is a mixture
between Brazilian natural talent, with a serious approach, physical,
tactical.
“They are a team capable of defending
well, allowing few goals, with a good support base. And then up front
with Willian, Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus … All players
with outstanding qualities.
“And then we have the traditional teams
of Europe, but I believe Spain are once again a real team. They were
able to get together players with the same game philosophy, adapted to
that playing style.
“I would say that Spain are in better condition than any other European rivals. But let’s see…”
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