Cristiano Ronaldo is about to lead the Portugal team to the World Cup for the sixth time, the team is determined to win its first World Cup.
Led by Roberto Martinez, Portugal are the favourites to advance from Group K where they will play DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Despite the doubts about him, at 41, Ronaldo continues to be an important player for Portugal.
The veteran forward has not scored in his last nine World Cup and European Championship matches combined, and was even dropped during the 2022 World Cup.
But Martinez has kept faith in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who impressed in Portugal’s Nations League win last season scoring goals in the quarter-final, semi-final and final.
Although Ronaldo will be the star attraction, Portugal’s biggest asset is midfield.
Portugal has a top midfield attack, led by Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva and is one of the most talented at the tournament.
The Colombian side will pose the biggest threat to Portugal in the group. While veteran playmaker James Rodriguez still continues to inspire his national team, Luis Diaz, the Bayern Munich forward, has become Colombia’s top scorer after having played their best club season ever.
Colombia are being looked upon as a very strong team to make it to the knockout stages.
Uzbekistan and DR Congo, meanwhile, will try to defy the odds. Uzbekistan skipper Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov is leading the team coached by World Cup-winning player Fabio Cannavaro.
World Cup teams DR Congo are participating for the first time in 52 years and include some big names like Yoane Wissa, Noah Sadiki and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
They overcame Cameroon and Nigeria in the qualifying play-offs and are keen to win their first World Cup.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo set for sixth World Cup with Portugal
