Inter Milan midfielder Maniche was the surprise absentee from the Portuguese squad selected by coach Felipe Scolari for the Euro 2008 finals which are being co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland and runs from June 7-29.
Maniche, who was an integral part of the Portuguese teams under Scolari that reached the Euro 2004 final where they lost to Greece and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals, can seek some consolation next weekend should Inter hold onto their slender lead over AS Roma in the Serie A title race in the final match of the season.
Ironically Maniche’s brother Jorge Ribeiro was given the nod by Scolari ahead of Valencia defender Marco Caneira.
“I have total confidence in the choices I have made and in the abilities of the players I have chosen,” said Scolari, who guided Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title.
Reserve goalkeeper Rui Patricio is the only player in the squad who up till now has never been selected by Scolari.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ricardo (Real Betis/ESP), Quim (Benfica), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)
Defenders: Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea/ENG), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Fernando Meira (VfB Stuttgart/GER), Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea/ENG), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea/ENG), Miguel (Valencia/ESP), Jorge Ribeiro (Boavista)
Midfielders: Petit (Benfica), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon), Deco (FC Barcelona/ESP)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/ENG), Nani (Manchester United/ENG), Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid/ESP) Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen/GER), Helder Postiga (Panathinaikos/GRE)
Yes Maniche out of Scolari’s 23 man squad, Portugal national team- a surprise. It’s beginning to look as Maniche’s current shape wasn’t the only thing Scoalri considered. On the other hand I look forward to seeing Raul Meireles and Miguel Veloso.