Bruno Baltazar, coach of Rochester New York, defends that the Portuguese national team is very strong but considers that Brazil is a chronic candidate for the world title. Diogo Costa, Pepe, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are the cornerstones of a team full of dreams.

– Is Portugal a candidate for the title?

– The first objective was fulfilled, which was the passage to the round of 16, and Portugal has the opportunity to score 9 points, which will give the team important confidence for the knockout phase. Expectations are high and the start is promising despite the fact that Portugal, remaining at an advantage in the games, is having some difficulties in controlling the game, retreating the lines and defending very close to our goal.

– How to evaluate the Selection from 0 to 20?

– Grade 15

– Main figures of the Selection?

– Diogo Costa, despite being young and being the first world champion, is being preponderant; Pepe proved in the last game that he provides defensive stability and fundamental experience in the defensive sector; Bruno Fernandes, finally, is imposing himself in the National Team and showing that he is preponderant in every moment of the team’s game; Cristiano despite having a difficult season is always able to make the difference in major competitions.

– Do you consider that Portugal is a candidate for the world title?

– Portugal is a true contender for the title because it has world-class players with winning experience in major competitions at both club and women’s level.

– Who is the strongest candidate?

– Brazil. It has a new generation of very talented players who already have a lot of experience in European football.

– How do you see the game against South Korea?

– Korea has a very technical and intense style of play and has the advantage of having a Portuguese technical team that knows our national team in depth. It will be a balanced game where Portugal plays to guarantee the first place and Korea attacks the last opportunity to try to qualify, although always depending on the result of Ghana.

– What is the ideal eleven for the game against the Koreans?

– Diogo Costa, Dalot, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro, William Carvalho, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo.