Portugal gear up for friendly vs Dutch

The coach of the Portuguese national football team warned that despite their recent slump in form, the Netherlands remain a dangerous team ahead of their friendly match in Geneva on Tuesday.

Fernando Santos was speaking at a press conference before Tuesday's friendly, which the reigning European champions are using to prepare for this summer's World Cup in Russia, reports Efe.

Having left it late to defeat Egypt through two Cristiano Ronaldo goals on Friday, Santos reminded his players that they would be facing "a team at a very high level", and said he would make changes in the line up.

"There will definitely be some changes. If not from the start, then they will be made during the game itself", the head coach said.

Portugal are using the two friendly matches this week to prepare for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

With former champions Spain, Morocco and Iran joining them in Group B, the Portuguese will fancy their chances of qualifying for the Round of 16.

Their opponents on Tuesday, the Netherlands, have endured a torrid last few years, particularly considering their illustrious footballing history and tradition.

The Dutch have failed to qualify for back-to-back major tournaments for the first time since 1980.

Ronald Koeman has been hired in an attempt to turn the tide for the Euro 2020 qualification campaign, which kicks off in September.

He began his reign with a 0-1 home defeat to England on Friday, and will be hoping his charges turn in a positive performance against the odds when they face the European champions and the world player of the year in Ronaldo, who has scored 19 goals in his last nine games for club and country.

"He is one of those players that can always score. Even when the team is playing badly, they have the ability to score out of nothing", Koeman told reporters on Sunday.

--IANS

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