Neca and Quim called up
Braga keeper Quim makes his long awaited return to the national team this month for two friendlies against Tunisia and Sweden. The former Under 21 star will replace Vitor Baia, who was suspended by FC Porto for internal club reasons. João Manuel Pinto was also dropped because of a slip in form while Jorge Andrade continues to be injuried.
On Stand-by are: Pedro Mendes and Romeu (V. Guimarães), Nelson (Sporting), Marco Ferreira (V. Setúbal), Pedro Henriques (Santa Clara) and Zé Nando (P. Ferreira).
Keepers - Quim (Sp. Braga) and Ricardo (Boavista);
Defence - Beto (Sporting), Rui Jorge (Sporting), Fernando Couto (Lazio), Nuno Valente (F.C. Porto) and Paulo Ferreira (F.C. Porto);
Midfield - Jorge Silva (Boavista), Vidigal (Nápoles), Costinha (F.C. Porto), Petit (Benfica), Fernando Meira (Estugarda), Hugo Viana (Newcastle), Figo (Real Madrid), Sérgio Conceição (Inter Milão), Capucho (F.C. Porto), Rui Costa (Milan), Simão (Benfica), Neca (Belenenses) and Boa Morte (Fulham);
Forwards - Nuno Gomes (Benfica) and Pauleta (Bordéus).
Explaining the selections, Agostinho Oliveira said Quim was chosen because he's simply the second best Portuguese keeper at the moment. Oliveira also carefully avoided the doping issue. About Neca, Oliveira said he's improved since being part of Oliveira's under 21 side last year. Abel Xavier continues to be on the outside looking in because of an illness that has affected his form the past 4 weeks. Barosso was left off the squad even though he too is in good form with Sp. Braga.
11,500 tickets will be given to kids under 18 for free for October 12th's match at the Restelo.
Under 21: These 19 players have been selected for the Olympic qualifier in Istanbul against Turkey on October 15th. Bruno Aguiar (Alverca), Bosingwa (Boavista), Beto (Casa Pia), Bruno Alves (Farense), Santamaria (Marco), Makukula (Nantes), Mário Sérgio (P. Ferreira), Cândido Costa, Hélder Postiga, Ricardo Costa and Manuel José (F.C. Porto), Miguelito (Rio Ave), Ednilson, Moreira and Tiago (Benfica), Carlos Martins and Ricardo Quaresma (Sporting), Jorge Ribeiro (Varzim) and Mário Carlos (V. Setúbal).
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