The Portuguese national team, led by its captain Cristiano Ronaldo, which will compete in the World Cup finals for the fifth time, from Friday night to Saturday, arrived in Doha, less than 48 hours before the start of the 2022 World Cup.
The Portuguese delegation’s bus arrived shortly after midnight at the luxury hotel located about thirty kilometers west of Doha, which is the “Seleção” base camp, amid the cheers of several hundred fans waving flags and scarves, according to Agence France-Presse.
“We are a small country, but we will be remembered, it is our year,” says Raquel Madeira, 33, a Portuguese woman living in Qatar.
It is not only the World Cup for Ronaldo, but the entire Portuguese Championship, as his compatriot Diane da Silva, 34, adds next to him: “They are a team, they are professionals, and they will remain focused on the goal,” without allowing herself to be upset. The storm that has been sparked in recent days by his statements confirms “CR7” regarding his relations with his club, Manchester United.
Portugal joined Qatar the day after its last preparatory match, in which it defeated Nigeria (4-0) on Thursday in Lisbon.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not play this match due to stomach problems, but he fueled the column throughout the week with an interview broadcast in several parts in which he accused Manchester United of “betrayal” and strongly attacked its coach, Erik ten Hag.
Neither he nor his colleagues came to greet the large audience.
The 37-year-old Portuguese star and his constant rival, Argentine Lionel Messi, will become the fifth and sixth player in Qatar to participate in the World Cup for the fifth time (after 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018).
Portugal, coached by experienced Fernando Santos (68 years old), will begin its campaign against Ghana next Thursday. The Seleção, favorites to win top spot in Group H, will face Uruguay (November 28) and South Korea (December 2).