Gilberto Madail, left, and Angel Maria Villar, presidents of the Portuguese and Spanish soccer federations, pose following a news conference to unveil the two countries joint bid to host the 2018 and 2022 soccer World Cups, Thursday, Oct. 29 2009, at the federation headquarters in Lisbon.

Portuguese politicians have reacted angrily to the news their country will play second fiddle to Spain in a joint Iberian bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Last week Portuguese Football Association (FPF) president Gilberto Madail revealed his country would be a junior partner in the bid to co-host the 2018 finals with Spain. (more…)

Portugal were approaching a game that could end their hopes of reaching the finals in South Africa with a fitness worry hanging over their captain and inspiration after he suffered an ankle injury when playing for Real Madrid. A strong challenge from Marseille defender Souleymane Diawara ensured that Ronaldo missed Saturday’s La Liga defeat at the hands of Sevilla but the £80 million world-record signing expects to be in peak shape when kick-off looms in Lisbon. (more…)

It’s been over a year since Pedro Mendes has worn the Portugal jersey, but Head Coach Carlos Queiroz has recalled the 30 year old Glasgow Rangers midfielder for upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches against Malta and Hungary.

Full Portugal Roster after the Jump….. 

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Beautiful control and goal by Bendtner

from espn

After spending most of the offseason looking for a new club, U.S. midfielder Freddy Adu has secured a move away from Benfica. According to the club’s official Web site, Adu will be joining fellow first division Portuguese club Belenenses on a one-year loan.

Adu spent last season on loan with French club AS Monaco but found playing time hard to come by. He was informed by new Benfica coach Jorge Jesus earlier this summer that he did not factor into the team’s plans for the upcoming season.

image via daylife

USWNT arrive in Portugal for the Algarve Cup courtesy of US Soccer.

The US beat Denmark 2-0 in their first game on Wednesday.

The Spanish and Portuguese Football Federations have signed the necessary documents for their World Cup Co - Hosting intentions for 2018 0r 2022.

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from fifa.com

Cristiano Ronaldo collected his first FIFA World Player title while Marta claimed her third successive FIFA Women’s World Player award at the 18th FIFA World Player Gala at the Zurich Opera House on Monday evening.

more pics and story after the jump (more…)