International Friendly Preview: Portugal - China

The Portuguese are finalising their World Cup preparations...

Mar 2, 2010 2:30:00 PM

By Arjun Miglani

More On :  China, Portugal, Portugal vs China
Cristiano Ronaldo (Charles Cielo)
Kick-Off: Wednesday March 3, 2010; 2145 CET, Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, Leiria

Asian Preparation

When this friendly was first announced, many questioned the wisdom of playing a team in China that, at the time, seemed unlikely to provide any serious challenge. That may still be the case, but the point of this match for Carlos Queiroz's men is to serve as preparation for the challenge of North Korea at the World Cup. Of course, both teams have their differences, but the Chinese are similar enough for this to be a worthwhile excercise.
Don't Miss

Portugal, of course, qualified the hard way, needing a play-off against Bosnia to secure their spot in South Africa. The campaign raised more questions than answers, and Carlos Queiroz will use this game to check out his fringe players. Chief amongst these will be Silvestre Varela, who will want to replicate his excellent club form on his international debut.

Another area of intrigue is the presence of Hilario, on the back of his recent forced inclusion in Chelsea's starting XI. He has virtually no chance of being the first choice, but a spot on the plane as one of the back-up keepers is up for grabs. This match, therefore, is a virtual World Cup audition for some in the squad.

Rising Up

China missed out on qualification for the World Cup, but their recent triumph at the East Asian Championships has raised hopes of a brighter future. This match represents the first stage of the next step, as they test themselves against seriously talented opposition with a point to prove. At this stage, even a narrow defeat could be seen as a moral victory.

However, the timing of the game has not been kind to the Chinese. With the Asian Champions League matches on the horizon, Beijing Guoan's Yang Hao and Yang Zhi will both be missing. In their absences, the likes of Shao Jiayi, Du Wei and Feng Xiaoting will need to step up.

The last time these two sides met, the Portuguese won 2-0, in the build-up to the 2002 World Cup. A similar result can be expected this time around, but nothing short of a goalfest will appease the Portuguese faithful. With the World Cup looming ever closer, it is time for their questions to be resolved.

Form Guide

Portugal

v Bosnia - November 18, 2009 WON 1-0

v Bosnia - November 14, 2009 WON 1-0

v Malta - October 14, 2009 WON 4-0

v Hungary - October 10, 2009 WON 3-0

v Hungary - September 9, 2009 WON 1-0

China

v Hong Kong - February 14, 2010 WON 2-0

v Korea Republic - February 10, 2010 WON 3-0

v Japan - February 6, 2010 DREW 0-0

v Vietnam - January 17, 2010 WON 2-1

v Syria - January 6, 2010 DREW 0-0

Team News

Portugal

Silvestre Varela makes his international debut, while Hilario is also in the squad.

Possible Line-Up: Eduardo; Paulo Ferreira, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, Duda; Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Meireles, Pedro Mendes, Tiago, Simao; Liedson

China

Yang Hao and Yang Zhi are away on club duty.

Possible Line-Up: Zeng Cheng; Du Wei, Zhao Peng, Rong Hao, Liu Jianye, Zhang Linpeng; Deng Zhuaoxiang, Huang Bowen, Yu Hai; Qu Bo, Gao Lin

Players To Watch

Portugal - Silvestre Varela

Having caught the attention of Europe's finest after his performances for FC Porto this season, Varela has finally been called up to the national squad, and will no doubt get a decent run-out to show if he can cut it at the highest level.

China - Shao Jiayi

The Energie Cottbus star is China's best player, and will provide a threat for the Portuguese, especially from set pieces.

Prediction

Portugal have hardly set the world alight in recent times, but they should still have far too much for China. With the World Cup on the horizon, this is a hugely important match for players hoping to make the squad, so there should be no lack of motivation.

Portugal 3-0 China
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