Having sampled the taste of victory at the European Championship in France last summer, Portugal will be desperate to repeat the feat at the Confederations Cup this time around. Fernando Santos' side are understandably ranked as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Russia; if they are able to go all the way in the coming weeks, it would serve to consolidate the winning mentality currently present in the squad ahead of next year's World Cup.
Many claimed that Portugal were fortunate to triumph at Euro 2016, particularly as they did not win a match in regulation time before the semi-final victory over Wales. Three draws in the group stage certainly did not mark them out as potential champions, but Santos deserves great credit for creating a team which was extremely difficult to beat. Portuguese fans will probably expect to see a little more flair and exuberance this time around, but there is no reason why the Selecção will not be capable of doing exactly that given the quality of players at their disposal.
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the tournament off the back of another superb season at club level, in which the Portugal captain won both La Liga and the Champions League for the first time. The Real Madrid man will probably start up front rather than on the left flank, with Santos likely to instruct his players to get the ball to the 32-year-old in and around the penalty area as often as possible. Bernardo Silva missed out on the Euros through injury but will assume a key creative role here, while fellow youngsters Andre Gomes, Raphael Guerreiro and Andre Silva will also be looking to make a mark. A 4-4-2 formation looks most likely at this stage, although former Greece head coach Santos has also employed a 4-3-3 in recent encounters.
The age of the defensive unit is slight cause for concern: 35-year-old Bruno Alves, 34-year-old Pepe and 33-year-old Jose Fonte are all still involved with the national team and their presence could make it difficult for Portugal to field a high line. Perhaps that factor will also force them to take more of a counter-attacking approach, although the instincts of a technically gifted midfield may take over and see the Portuguese dominate possession. The latter is certainly more likely in the group stage, when Mexico, Russia and New Zealand will provide the opposition to the European champions.
Portugal should have little trouble advancing from Group A in top spot, with three wins from three a distinct possibility. The Mexicans will probably prove to be their stiffest challenge in the group stage, but Santos' side will not fear anyone following their success last summer. A semi-final meeting with Germany or Chile would then probably await Portugal, who will also fancy their chances against either. Taking everything into account, then, it would be wise to tip the European champions to reach the final of the Confederations Cup, while Ronaldo is an obvious option for top goalscorer.
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