Portugal Have Their Best Generation Yet, Says Abel Xavier Ahead of Croatia Clash

As Portugal prepare for their World Cup Round of 32 clash against Croatia,  former Portugal, Liverpool and Everton defender Abel Xavierbelieves his country possesses the strongest generation of players in its history and has every chance of challenging for football’s biggest prize.

Speaking to SuperSport, the former Liverpool, Everton and Portugal defender said the depth and quality available to Portugal gives them a genuine opportunity to compete with the world’s best.

“I believe Portugal have a great chance. If we are talking about both quantity and quality, Portugal currently has the best generation of players. I believe that if the coach sets up the team properly, considering the number of quality players available, Portugal can achieve the results needed to take them at least to the semi-finals,”  Xavier said.

Having represented Portugal during one of the country’s defining football eras, Xavier believes the current squad combines elite talent, experience and depth across every position. 

Yet for him, the tournament is about more than Portugal’s ambitions. At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is contesting what is widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup. After winning almost every major honour in club football and leading Portugal to UEFA European Championship glory, only the World Cup remains missing from his remarkable career. For Xavier, there could be no more fitting ending.

“Unfortunately, over the last few decades, two of the greatest players ever have emerged: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It has often felt like a personal competition between them as well.

“I honestly believe Cristiano wants to finish his career with a major trophy. I think the greatest trophy and the greatest privilege a player can have is winning something with their country. In my opinion, that is the ultimate prize.”

Despite backing Portugal, Xavier believes the expanded 48-team format has made this year’s tournament more open than ever before.

“I think this World Cup is unusual because there are more teams and more unpredictable situations can happen. If we talk about the physical strength of the African teams, for example, and the pragmatism and tactical discipline of some of the Asian teams, they can also surprise people. 

While Xavier believes traditional powers remain favourites, he says the gap is narrowing.

“The favourites, in my view, are those who have won the tournament before. We are talking about France, Brazil, Argentina and Spain. Then there is another group of teams that can surprise people, including Portugal and England. After that, there are other teams that can still disrupt the competition.”

Portugal face Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Friday at 12:00 am, Catch it  live on SS World Cup Central (DStv Ch. 202, GOtv Ch. 61). All matches continue to be available on DStv & GOtv. Xavier believes Portugal have the quality to make a deep run if they can capitalise on what he considers the country’s finest generation of players.