Luiz Felipe Scolari has picked his first squad since being appointed coach of the Portuguese national team.
Scolari, the man who led Brazil to World Cup gllory last summer, was appointed coach of Portugal last month and next Wednesday’s friendly match against Italy, marks his first match in charge.
His first squad contains several surprises with the accent firmly on youth as the Brazilian discards several senior Portuguese internationals.
The main absentees are Porto goalkeeper Vitor Baia and winger Nuno Capucho, Sporting Clube de Portugal playmaker Joao Pinto and Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.
There are first call-ups for Benfica and under-21 international Miguel, UD Leiria midfielder Silas and Porto forward Helder Postiga. Recalled to the squad are central defenders Marco Caneira and Jorge Andrade.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Pereira (Boavista), Quim Silva (Braga)
Defenders: Marco Caneira (Bordeaux, France), Paulo Ferreira (Porto), Nuno Valente (Porto), Fernando Couto (Lazio, Italy), Jorge Andrade (Deportivo Coruna, Spain), Ricardo Rocha (Benfica), Fernando Meira (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Rui Jorge (Sporting)
Midfielders: Rui Costa (AC Milan, Italy), Francisco Costinha (Porto), Sergio Conceicao (Inter Milan, Italy), Luis Figo (Real Madrid, Spain), Pedro Mendes (Vitoria Guimaraes), Tiago Mendes (Benfica), Miguel Miranda (Benfica), Silas Fernandes (Uniao Leiria)
Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Benfica), Pauleta Resendes (Bordeaux, France), Helder Postiga (Porto), Luis Boa Morte (Fulham, England)
