Would a good finish for Portugal augur well for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa?
Most certainly, especially when you consider that the phase between two major tournaments is incredibly tricky. It’s a particularly challenging time for any national coach. You should never be afraid to make changes or introduce younger players. Although you lose experience whenever you make a change, you win new talent for the future at the same time.Your policy of reducing the average age of the Portuguese national team has gone almost unnoticed. And it’s not finished yet. I can assure you that the Portugal side at EURO 2008 will contain the odd surprise or two, but we will still continue to rank among the world’s top five national teams. Only three or four players from the 2002 team are likely to feature. In Brazil, I was criticised for naming some young players in the national squad: Gilberto Silva, Kleberson, Kaka and others. All players without any World Cup experience. Even President Teixeira drew my attention to it. Sure, experience is important. France won the World Cup with v
