Jorge Andrade Out of World Cup

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Posted from  United States

[...] The margin between advancing far in the World Cup and an early exit is so slim that the loss of a key player or two can make all the difference. The past couple of days we have seen this with a pair of teams in Group D. Portugal received awful news when it learned that defender Jorge Andrade will miss the World Cup with a knee injury. Fans in Iran held their collective breathes when they heard that star midfielder Ali Karimi tore ligaments in his ankle. Fortunately for Team Melli, he will only be out until the end of April. [...]

Posted from  United States

While the loss of Andrade certainly be a loss for the team, I’m not so sure Jorge Andrade’s injury will make or break Portugal in the World Cup. Yes, he’s a great defender, but by the same token even a great defender can make mistakes that cost the team. (Although it didn’t matter in the end, Jorge Andrade did happen to score an own goal in the Semi Finals of Euro 2004.) Jorge Costa’s deflection turned into an own goal in World Cup 2002. I guess what I’m saying is, the quality of our team does not reside in one key player. I’m not sure who will replace Andrade, but I’m sure we will adapt. We’ve got two amazing defenders taht play for a little team called Chelsea (Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho) that I’m sure can contribute to a solid defense ( Granted, we need someone to fill in the central role.) Maybe Jorge Andrade’s loss will give the team that extra inspiration to provide some excellent results for him (as well as themselves, obviously).

Posted from  United States

Andrade is one of my favourite players on the Portuguese nationalteam, so this loss is hard to accept. The upsaide is that the pother Group D teams have been “studying” Andrade & now they’ll have to guess who to watch in the remaining friendlies & change their tactics accordingly. Besides, a team as good as Portugal can easily shift the focus of play & its tactics during gametime effortlessly, keeping the opoosing team ojn its toes. Yes, Jorge Andrade is key, but at this level, they all are. Forca Jorge!

Posted from  Canada

Well said Helder.

Posted from  United States

I think players such as Canier or Meira should be capable of stepping into that role. When you have leaders such as Carvalho to police the middle, it inspires confidence in his fellow defenders. I feel that for once we have depth in almost all the positions on the pitch. And looking at the youths coming up soon, it’s looking good for years to come.

Posted from  Canada

[...] Yellow card to Portugal’s Group D opponents. You might be licking your chops now that Jorge Andrade is out of the World Cup, but this Portugal team is deep and will find a suitable replacement on the backline. [...]

spoken like a true Canadian there Ceasar…what are you and Dan brothers?
Future for Portugal does look bright no more injuries and a few breaks and we could be in the finals..
Forca Portugal

Posted from  Canada

As far as I know we’re not related… my family’s from Terceira, Açores so unless he is too I doubt it.

Posted from  United States

My family’s from St. Miguel, Acores. So if we are related it would be 2 or 3 generations back. But we’re all part of the Seleccao family.

Posted from  Canada

By the third game, Angola and Iran should be out of competition. Who will win the third game between Portugal and Mexico?

Posted from  United States

Portugal 2 Mexico 1

Posted from  United States

Marco Gomez, unless you have a special ability to predict things correctly, I believe that all the teams in group D will still be in with a chance to qualify for the KO stages by the third game.

Posted from  United Kingdom

I think the assumption being made by Marco is that both Portugal and Mexico will have won both games leading up to the 3rd and final game which is against each other, giving each 6 points. This then would mean Angola and Iran would be eliminated no matter what the outcome of Portugal/Mexico game.

Posted from  Canada