Albania
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Scotland
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
Wales
Home 
World
Portugal
Tiago calls it quits and Miereles breaks through!
Comments(11)
Well guys, yet another Portugal NT competitor has retired. That man is Tiago. Now, the fifth player since the world cup to call it quits for Portugal. Tiago joins Simao, Deco, Miquel, and Paulo Ferriera who all retired late last year. Tiago was always a classy player, and he will be deeply missed. Tiago stated his reasons when he said, “I also believe the moment has arrived to give the opportunity to new talents of Portuguese football, just like I had eight years ago.” Now, I know he was pretty much out of a starting spot in our first 11, but there isn’t a better sub in my eyes than one that is as experienced and as talented as a guy like Tiago. I still think he could have helped our team out in the near future, but it isn’t to be. I thought it would be nice to reminisce a bit on by far Tiago’s best game in a Portugal jersey against North Korea (although could say the same about a lot of guys that day).
Now that Tiago is out, who do you think will take his position for the upcoming friendly against Argentina or even the Euro qualifiers this summer? A young guy like Paulo Machado, or someone older like Manuel Fernandes. I would probably go with Machado or even Miguel Veloso. Each are young, but proven at the club level, and I have been waiting for Veloso to really make a name for himself. Any other ideas?
In other news Raul Miereles got his first goal for his English club Liverpool. Now even though his first goal didn’t come until after the winter break, we all know that there is plenty more to Miereles’ game than scoring. I have caught some Liverpool games this year, and he has been as important to that team as he is for the Sellecao. He is great at going forward, and one of a kind at tackling in the midfield. Congrats to him!
They should give Bebe atleast one look as a sub in one of the friendlies this year, i think he deserves it…Quaresma is a tough one, but should still back up Ronaldo
Posted from 
United States
Yep, I think Miereles’ scoring boot has finally come to life!
Posted from United States
The goal is on http://rutube.ru/tracks/4012145.html?v=0f0928f3d5e4c3ad942f38b36a2becf0
Posted from 
Portugal
I forgot to add the same thing. Now it’s his second goal for Liverpool, and I’m positive his great recent performances will carry on to the NT.
Posted from Portugal
Good for Miereles! Glad to see hes doing well. I remember when he was first playing for the NT he used to take like 50+ long range shots and they would all fly over the bar :p who remembers that? lol
Posted from 
Canada
Lol can anyone give me some ideas as to who will be Tiago’s replacement? I can’t think of anyone right now except Ruben Amorim, who is injured.
@David, yes I remember xD It was probably in 2009. Back then I got angry with him many times, since he was wasting time and possession for us. But now he shoots the ball much better, and every keeper should beware every time he unleashes a bomb 
@Tiago, I think we have Moutinho, Martins, Rúben Micael, Sérgio Oliveira (in the future). Isn’t that enough?
Posted from Portugal
Miereles always had the talent he just needed the experience, and he definitely has that now. He is very smart on the ball, exactly needed from a holding mid.
And I agree with Ivan, we do have a solid 3 starting midfielders, but no longer do we have the experienced back ups like Tiago. However, the young guns are as talented as ever!
Posted from United States
@ Ivan Thank you very much for mentioning Sergio Oliveira. He definitely seems like the next star in midfield with lots of talent.
Comments are closed
MORE EUROPE BLOGS
CATEGORIES & ARCHIVES
I believe Quaresma should return to the team, and I think Bebe should be brought up as well. I have no idea who should replace Tiago. Our NT has a lack of consistent midfielders.