Portugal captain Miguel Queiroz: advancement depends only on ourselves

Matosinhos, Portugal — Fresh off winning the national championship with FC Porto, Miguel Queiroz has turned his full attention to the Portuguese National Team as they prepare for the final two games of the first qualifying phase for the 2027 World Cup.

The 34-year-old center, captain of both FC Porto and the National Team, will face Montenegro on July 2 in Matosinhos, followed by a July 5 clash in Athens against Greece. These matches mark his return under head coach Mário Gomes after missing recent games due to a serious injury.

Team Unity and Personal Readiness

"The group is very united, so it's the same; we've been working together for a long time, we know each other very well, the atmosphere is incredible, and everything remains the same," Queiroz said. "I feel very good and I'm very happy to be back. I wanted to help the National Team before, but unfortunately I couldn't, but I'm here with all my strength to help the team and try to reach the World Cup in Qatar in 2027."

Qualification Scenario

Portugal currently sits 2nd in the group and needs just one win to secure qualification for the next phase, where the top three teams advance. Queiroz emphasized the importance of confidence and winning every game.

"The games in this phase count toward the next phase, and we only depend on ourselves to advance, but winning every game is also very important," he stated. "So, we have the first game here [in Matosinhos] against Montenegro; we've already gone there and won, knowing they are capable of doing more and better than they did at home [Portugal won 83-62], but we are also capable of doing more and better. It will be a tough game, but we strongly believe we can win."

Facing Greece

Looking ahead to the match in Athens, Queiroz expressed respect without fear.

"A certainly difficult trip, against one of the best European teams, but we've also proven, in the recent past, that we can compete against the best teams, and we'll go there with open chests, heads held high, fearing no one, but respecting everyone and trying to win the game."

Squad Update

Without Nemias Queta, who is dealing with his future in the NBA, and Gonçalo Delgado (FC Porto, injured), Mário Gomes is working with 13 players:

Guards:

• Anthony da Silva (Évreux, Fra)
• Diogo Ventura (Sporting)
• Francisco Amarante (Sporting)
• Rafael Lisboa (Ourense, Esp)

Forwards:

• André Cruz (Sporting)
• Diogo Brito (Obradoiro, Esp)
• Nuno Sá (Palmer BM, Esp)
• Travante Williams (Rouanne Basket, Fra)
• Vladyslav Voytso (FC Porto)

Centers:

• Cândido Sá (Sp. Braga)
• Daniel Relvão (Benfica)
• Miguel Queiroz (FC Porto)
• Ricardo Monteiro (Sp. Braga)