Hugo Almeida no Sub21

Scored two goals to help Portugal reach the final of the 2003 European U/19 Championships where they lost to Italy. Developed by FC Porto and spent the 2002/03 season on loan to another Portuguese side UD Leiria. He scored three times in the top division for Leiria during his loan.


Scolari gives youth a chance

Friday, 12 November 2004

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recalled FC Porto forward Hugo Almeida for next week's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg.

Knee problems
The 20-year-old gets his chance for Wednesday's away game because SL Benfica forward Nuno Gomes has a knee injury. Hugo Almeida's only previous senior appearance came in the 1-1 friendly draw against England last February. Also absent from the squad with knee trouble is Porto left-back Nuno Valente.

Back on track
Portugal won the first two matches of their Group 3 campaign against Latvia and Estonia but followed that with a shock 2-2 draw at Liechtenstein. However, Scolari's side returned to form, and first place in the section, with an emphatic 7-1 victory against Russia in their last outing.

Ricardo defence
However, there has been some criticism of the coach's decision to select Sporting Clube de Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo whose performances have not delighted some pundits. "He plays like the others - sometimes badly, sometimes very well," said the coach. "I don't pay attention to the critics because Ricardo is still a reliable goalkeeper."

Portugal squad

Quim (SL Benfica), Ricardo (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Jorge Andrade (RC Deportivo La Coruña), Miguel (SL Benfica), Caneira (Valencia CF), Jorge Ribeiro (Gil Vicente FC), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea FC), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea FC), Deco (FC Barcelona), Petit (SL Benfica), Costinha (FC Porto), Maniche (FC Porto), Tiago (Chelsea FC), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC), Hélder Postiga (FC Porto), Hugo Almeida (FC Porto), Boa Morte (Fulham FC), Pauleta (Paris Saint-Germain), Simão Sabrosa (SL Benfica).(Uefa.com)