WC hopes for 6 Benfica players

6 Benfica players are part of the 50 name list of players being considered for the final 23 that will travel to South Africa for this decade's first World Cup.

Carlos Martins, César Peixoto, Fábio Coentrão, Nuno Gomes, Quim and Ruben Amorim were the players selected by Carlos Queiroz who will need to "lose" 27 before the official roster announcement on May 10th.

Out of the 6, I think 4 have quality enough to make the squad, but taking into consideration Queiroz's philosophy and tendencies, it's very likely that only 2 will make the roster.


Carlos Martins is definitely part of the 4 that have enough quality, but i think in his natural position(Offensive Midfielder/offensive transition pivot) there are many players that Queiroz calls with frequency. Not to mention Portugal is loaded with transition midfielders(Tiago, Moutinho, Mendes,Meireles) In my opinion he is definitely on the outside, which is a shame.

Cesar Peixoto presents himself as a natural left back, but his lack of play this year will most likely see him stay in Portugal.

Fabio Coentrao is most likely going to be one of the 2 left backs chosen by Queiroz, not only has he had a good season, he has also developed and matured into the positio. His competitive rhythm and the minutes logged in as Benfica's #1 left back, will surely earn him a spot in the 23.

Nuno Gomes, could surely provide experience up front, but his scarce minutes this season and his age are working against him.

Quim is without a doubt one to the top Portuguese keeper of the moment. He got the starting job following the fall from grace of Ricardo, but he too was a victim of bad performances, and following Brasil's beating of Portugal, he stopped being an option. He has had a a good season, and he will in my opinion be in the chosen 23, whether he will start or not, that's a different story altogether.

Amorim has been without a doubt, Benfica's utility man this season. He has played right back, right half, center mid, defensive mid, and all with the consistency he has accustomed us to. Much like Martins, he is on the fence, and it will all depends if Queiroz feels Amorim has a role in the 23. Forget about whether he deserves to be there or not, it will entirely be up to Queiroz to see if there is a role for Amorim in this National team. If you ask me, he surely deserves to be there, but you have the same situation that you have with Martins, too many regulars blocking him.

Whatever the list is of the 23, don't count on too many Benfica players being on there. It might not be entirely fair, but expected.

here's the full list
Atlético Madrid: Simão Sabrosa e Tiago

Benfica: Carlos Martins, César Peixoto, Fábio Coentrão, Nuno Gomes, Quim e Ruben Amorim

Chelsea: Deco, Hilário, Paulo Ferreira e Ricardo Carvalho

Inter: Ricardo Quaresma

Colónia: Maniche e Petit

FC Porto: Beto, Bruno Alves, Miguel Lopes, Raul Meireles e Rolando

FC Zenit: Danny e Fernando Meira

Iraklis FC: Daniel Fernandes

Kayserispor: Makukula

Lille: Ricardo Costa

Málaga: Duda

Manchester United: Nani

PAOK FC: Edinho e Vieirinha

RC Deportivo: Zé Castro

Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo e Pepe

Valladolid: Pelé e Sereno

Saragoça: Eliseu

Sp. Braga: Eduardo e Hugo Viana

Sporting: Daniel Carriço, João Moutinho, João Pereira, Liedson, Miguel Veloso, Pedro Mendes, Rui Patrício, Tonel e Yannick

Toulouse: Paulo Machado

Valencia CF: Miguel

V. Guimarães: Nuno Assis

Werder Bremen: Hugo Almeida