Portugal's World Cup push begins as Ronaldo targets one last trophy

Ronaldo's last dance begins

Portugal enter their ninth World Cup with a fully fit squad and a clear target: send Cristiano Ronaldo out with the trophy. Manager Roberto Martínez has every player available, including five key reinforcements who have joined the closed training camp in Oeiras (4). Former boss Paulo Bento rates this squad among "the group of candidates" to win it all, though he warns things don't always go as planned (9).

One year since Munich glory

Exactly one year ago today, Portugal lifted the Nations League trophy in Munich (2). That triumph adds weight to the belief this squad knows how to win knockout tournaments, and the timing couldn't be sharper with the World Cup days away.

Nunes trains despite fitness worry

Matheus Nunes missed Portugal's latest friendly, sparking concern over his fitness ahead of the tournament (6). But the midfielder has since joined the closed camp in Oeiras alongside the returning European champions from the under-21 side, and no further issues have been flagged (4).

Bernardo Silva's next club – Mourinho wants him in Madrid

Bernardo Silva is a free agent after leaving Manchester City and the rumours are swirling. Incoming Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho wants to bring him to the Bernabéu (5), while Barcelona remain in the picture, and Roberto Martínez has publicly backed a Camp Nou move for his midfielder (7). Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also circling (5). No decision yet, but Silva's future is the biggest off-pitch story around this Portugal camp.

Fan reactions

Supporters are treating this as Ronaldo's last shot at immortality, the phrase "CR7's last dance" keeps surfacing in World Cup threads, with many predicting a first-time winner this summer (4). Tactical analysts have started breaking down Portugal's blueprint in detail, while rival fans on the PSG subreddit are watching their own talent pool nervously as the vultures gather (1) (2).