Cristiano Ronaldo is set to earn his 220th Portugal cap when they travel to Munich to face Germany in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday night.
Ever since moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, shortly after Portugal's dismal exit from the 2022 World Cup, there have been huge question marks over Ronaldo's persistent inclusion in the squad, and the starting XI, but manager Roberto Martinez appears content to stick with the all-time top international goalscorer, despite him now being in the twilight of his career.
It is a surprise that Ronaldo's place in the XI is as secure as anyone, but that is down to the excellent depth in the Portugal squad, especially in midfield, where Martinez may have a tough decision to make.
Joao Neves and Vitinha are fresh off the back of dominating the Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain, and will both surely be in the starting XI, and that will put pressure on Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes's places in the side.
Rafael Leao has had a very indifferent season with AC Milan, though, and showed very little in both legs against Denmark, being substituted early, so that could see Fernandes deployed out wide, as he has done on occasion at Manchester United this season.
However, along with Diogo Dalot, Fernandes may be slightly fatigued from the bizarre post-season tour of Asia they were on with Man United last week, which made more unwanted headlines than anything.
Francisco Trincao will feel as though he is worthy of a start, because without him, Portugal would already have been eliminated, as he was the man who scored the late leveller that forced extra time against Denmark, before he also put them in front in the additional period.
Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao will also be in the mix to start, and how poor Portugal's recent record against Germany is perfectly encapsulated by the fact his father Sergio scored a hat trick the last time they won in this fixture, at Euro 2000.
There is just one change from the squad that was called up in March, and Chelsea-bound Geovany Quenda is out and has been replaced by uncapped teenager Rodrigo Mora, who has broken out with Porto this season.
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Bernardo, Vitinha, Neves, Fernandes; Jota, Ronaldo
Click here to see how Germany could line up for this semi-final.
Andrew Delaney
