This evening, Portugal faces the surprising selection of Luxembourg, third in Group J, tied with Slovakia (10 points) and five lengths behind the Portuguese leader. Author of a flawless performance (5 matches, 5 victories, 15 goals scored, 0 conceded), the Seleção das Quinas can take a very big step towards Euro 2024 if successful this evening. But this meeting could also allow Gonçalo Ramos (22 years old) to finally launch his season.
In a few months, he saw his status as an indisputable starter for club and national team being seriously disrupted. Loaned to Paris Saint-Germain with an almost obligatory purchase option of €65 million (€80 million, bonus included), the former Benfica striker has changed dimensions, with the disadvantages that this entails. Recruited to serve as an anchor, the Portuguese has still not found the net and must now deal with much greater competition than in Lisbon. With the Rouge et Bleu, he played three matches, but the last one, against Olympique Lyonnais, he started on the bench, Luis Enrique preferring to line up Marco Asensio up front.
Ramos must elbow
An unexpected tactical choice, but which paid off, as the Spaniard was sharp against Les Gones. Unfortunately for the former Merengue, he was injured against Georgia (7-1) and could miss several weeks of competition. A physical problem which could benefit Ramos to regain a starting place and finally try to unlock his goal counter… Unless a certain Randal Kolo Muani, recruited at the very last moment, comes to change the situation. In selection, same fight. The Portuguese media did not fail to point out that the former Benfiquista went from starting at the 2022 World Cup to replacing in 2023. It’s simple, since his return from Qatar, Gonçalo Ramos has no longer been lined up in the starting eleven. Portuguese departure. Cristiano Ronaldo suspended (accumulation of yellow cards), Ramos should therefore have his chance this evening. “Cristiano received a yellow card, Cristiano gave everything for 90 minutes and Gonçalo Ramos will have a very good chance in the second match”announced Lusitanian coach Roberto Martinez.
A small relief for the native of Lisbon, who is hungry for playing time. “I adapt to all systems, as long as I play. Like I said, it’s a big test of confidence, but until tomorrow’s game (today, editor’s note), no one knows who will play. I hope it will be like the coach said. I think here in the national team we all have to respect the minutes we get and what happens because only 11 of the 24 team members are playing. They are all starters at their club, but they arrive here and only 11 of them play. We have to respect that, the opportunity will present itself for everyone”, he confided yesterday at a press conference. Combative without making waves, Gonçalo Ramos finally discovers competition at the very highest level. It remains to be seen how he will deal with it.
