Portugal’s third golden generation! The luxurious lineup is heading towards the World Cup, and Ronaldo’s last dance arouses global expectations

While world football is still discussing the championship status of France, Brazil, and England, a powerful European team is quietly completing the perfect transformation of the old and new. Portugal, which has risen to fifth in the FIFA rankings, now has top stars shining in every position. What kind of dynastic ambition is hidden behind coach Martinez’s words “I’ve never fought such a rich battle”?

[Goalkeeper: Three Aegis Build the Last Line of Defense]

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa has become a model of modern goalkeeper with a worth of 40 million euros. His saving reaction and ball-playing ability perfectly fit the contemporary football system. Sporting CP's Rui Silva and Wolves' José Sá form an enviable bench depth. This triple insurance makes the Portuguese goal the most reassuring presence in Europe.

[Defender: Youth Storm Mixed Steel Defense Line]

The defense line led by Manchester City cornerstone Ruben Dias can be called a work of art: Manchester United's Dalot's growth is obvious to all, and Sporting CP Inacio's ability to play the ball is unique. Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes on the left is a perpetual motion machine of offense and defense, and Cancelo's technical comprehensiveness on the right makes it difficult for opponents to guard against. What's even more frightening is that Benfica's 20-year-old Antonio Silva and Villarreal's Vega are setting off a youth storm. This defense line, with an average age of less than 25 years old, is both solid and full of unlimited possibilities.

[Midfield: The perfect inheritance of the golden generation]

Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha and Joao Neves form a technical duo, while Manchester United's Bruno Fernandez and Manchester City's Bernardo Silva provide experience and creativity. The versatility of Manchester City's Nunes, the interception of Tottenham's Palinha, the scheduling of Sporting CP Goncalves and Ruben Neves - this midfield line has both Spain's technical sophistication and England's tactical discipline. It can be called a textbook for modern football midfield configuration.

[Front: Veterans and rookies compose an offensive rhapsody]

Even if Jota is absent due to injury, the Portuguese forward is still enviable: the youthful vitality of AC Milan Leo, Chelsea Neto, Sporting CP Trincao and Juventus Conceicao. For the center position, Paris Saint-Germain's Gonzalo Ramos forms a healthy competition with Felix, who has been reborn in Saudi Arabia. And standing above everyone else is Cristiano Ronaldo, who is about to turn 41 years old - this legendary captain not only pursues a career of 1,000 goals, but will also lead the team to achieve the ultimate dream.

[Tactical Revolution: Martinez's Happiness Troubles]

Martinez, who suffered from the problem of "it's hard for a clever woman to make a meal without rice" when coaching Belgium, has now reached a turning point in his coaching career in Portugal. His three-centre-back system and quick-switching tactics perfectly fit the technical characteristics of this Portuguese team. What's even more rare is that while maintaining the tradition of technical flow, the team's physical confrontation and tactical execution have reached a record high.

The rise of this Portuguese team is no accident: a complete youth training system, a successful overseas study program, and a precise recruitment of naturalized players have jointly created this talent blowout. Do you think this Portuguese team can surpass the achievements of Euro 2016? How did Cristiano Ronaldo’s final dance of the World Cup end? Welcome to leave your predictions in the comment area!