Ricardo Carvalho, the former Portugal start feels his country can follow up its Euro 2016 heroics with tough showing in the finals of the World Cup. Two years ago, Carvalho was the part of Portuguese team when they stunned hosts France team in the final to triumph the European Championships. Now, this time Carvalho will watch from a distance as Cristiano Ronaldo and the co appear to deliver in the World Cup, beginning tonight opposite Spain in the Group B.

On the other hand, the Spanish have a turbulent few days, sacking the bound coach of Real Madrid Julen Lopetegui and substituting him with Fernando Hierro. The Carvalho believes that having a successful Euro 2016 boss Fernando Santos on board still and the spirit in the Portugal camp will be important for the team having a good tournament.

Carvalho has been in Belfast this month and he is working on the UEFA B Coaching License. He said, “We have an excellent team and the same coach, which I feel is very important. The team is always together and all the players in the team work well together in tournaments. This is the biggest reason as why Portugal did so well in the Euros.

“There are a number of good sides at a World Cup, but for Portugal the objective will be to get good results early on, have luck and gaining confidence. “The team is a great one and in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo we have a great player. Thus, we have a great opportunity to go far and beyond. I wish that proves the case.” When asked about the management skill, he said, “The experience as a player helps in management as you understand the game in-depth. This helps us a lot”.