World Cup Miami host city committee chair updates plans for summer
Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the Miami Host City Committee, on transportation plans for the World Cup
- Portugal’s national soccer team, ranked sixth in the world, will train in Palm Beach Gardens for the World Cup.
- The roster includes star player Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
- The team’s World Cup group stage includes a highly anticipated match against Colombia in Miami.
Palm Beach County soon will welcome World Cup contender Portugal and its star-studded roster for training in Palm Beach Gardens.
Why is this a big deal? Let’s count the ways:
Is Portugal really that good?
Yup. The team is ranked sixth in the world by FIFA.
It does. CR7, as he’s affectionately known by his fans, is a goal-scoring machine and a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo and Lionel Messi took turns winning world player of the year honors. Their rivalry will go down as one of the greatest legends in sports. Think Ali-Frazier, Bird-Magic, Jack-Arnie. Question is, can he do it on the world stage at age 41?
Who else steers the ship?
Vitinha, a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain, was third in Ballon d’Or voting. Another midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, is Manchester United’s captain and Portugal’s top playmaker.
Who are Portugal’s opponents in the World Cup group stage?
June 17: vs. qualifier still to be determined in Houston.
June 23: vs. Uzbekistan in Houston.
June 27: vs. Colombia on June 27 in Miami.
The Colombia match drew more than 30 million ticket requests, more than any other match in the tournament, including the final.
What is Portugal’s history in the World Cup?
Portugal has never lifted the trophy but will be making its seventh straight appearance. Its highest finish is third place in 1966 — coincidentally, the team’s World Cup debut. Portugal reached the quarterfinals in Qatar in 2022.
Who is Portugal’s coach?
Roberto Martinez is familiar to U.S. fans as a former analyst for ESPN’s World Cup coverage. His coaching career has included time with Wigan Athletic, Everton and Belgium. He was named Portugal’s coach in January 2023.
How did Portugal qualify?
With a cannon blast. The team won Group F by blowing out Armenia 9-1, proving how dangerous this side can be on attack.
Who is Portugal’s legendary player?
Besides Ronaldo, you mean? Try Eusebio, who in the ’66 tournament scored nine times, a performance that still is talked about today. More recently, the clever and dangerous Luis Figo graced the field for the Portuguese.
