The 2018 World Cup "starts" at the Luz which took Portugal to glory in 2016

The Estádio da Luz is the stage for the last test of the Portuguese team before traveling to Russia, in order to participate in the World Cup. The friendly match against Algeria is scheduled for this Thursday, July 7, at 8:15 pm.

This will be the third friendly, after the clashes against Tunisia, in Braga (2-2), and Belgium, at King Baldwin Stadium (0-0).

Two years ago, on June 8, 2016, before leaving to the European Cup in France, which brought us the European title, Portugal said goodbye to the Portuguese exactly at Estádio da Luz. Against Estonia, there was festival of football and goals. The result was a 7-0 rout.

At the Russia World Cup qualifiers, Portugal held two matches at Estádio da Luz, both with victories: 3-0 against Hungary, with goals by Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and André Silva, and 2-0 in the decisive match, against Switzerland, with a goal by André Silva and an own-goal by Djourou. Portugal stamped, this way, the passport to Russia, where, on June 15, plays against Spain.

In Group B, the “Quinas” team will also face Morocco (June 20) and Iran (June 25).

The tickets for the Friendly against Algeria are available at the online ticket office of the "Federação Portuguesa de Futebol".

Four talents Made in Benfica

In the call-up announced by Fernando Santos for the 2018 World Cup, Benfica is represented by Rúben Dias. The center-back will make his debut in a big international event, after playing his first season with Benfica’s first team.

Launched by Rui Vitória, the current Portuguese international said present with secure performances and goals. At the age of 21, has finished the 2017/18 season with 31 matches, four goals and 2781 minutes with the eagles.

With the national team, his debut was already as a starter, against Tunisia, at “Estádio Municipal de Braga” (2-2).

Besides Rúben Dias, there are three players among the national team whom were raised at the Club: Bernardo Silva, Gonçalo Guedes and Manuel Fernandes. And still Mário Rui, who has completed his youth training at Benfica.

On Wednesday afternoon, the players will have a training session, under the command of Fernando Santos, at Estádio da Luz.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: FPF