Beto back for Portugal
Friday, April 25, 2003
Article summary
Sporting Clube de Portugal's Beto has received his first call-up under Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Article body
Beto to start
Beto has returned recently from a shoulder injury that kept him sidelined for close to two months and is expected to start in Eindhoven next Wednesday.
Duo return
Tiago, the SL Benfica midfield player who has been one of the revelations of the Portuguese season, and Hugo Viana of Newcastle United FC return to the senior squad after playing in the Under-21 side's victory over England last month, but the experienced FC Porto goalkeeper Vítor Baía and Sporting's João Pinto, both remain out in the cold.
Rogério Matias keeps place
Scolari has called up 19 players, rather than the usual 21, and has ignored the claims of Porto forward Hélder Postiga and defender Paulo Ferreira, and the Vitória FC defender Pedro Mendes. Rogério Matias, who replaced the injured Mario Silva in the last squad, retains his place. This will be the Scolari's fourth game as Portugal coach. After a debut defeat against Italy, UEFA EURO 2004™ hosts Portugal have won subsequent games against Brazil and F.Y.R. Macedonia.
Portugal squad
Ricardo, Quim, Fernando Couto, Miguel, Beto, Rui Jorge, Meira, Rogério Matias, Rui Costa, Sérgio Conceição, Deco, Maniche, Luís Loureiro, Hugo Viana, Figo, Simão, Tiago, Pauleta, Nuno Gomes.
