Diogo Costa: World Cup One to Watch
Excitement is starting to build all over the world of football as the 2022 FIFA World Cup is mere days away.
For the players, such huge tournaments are the biggest stages they can get to showcase their talents. Nowhere does this ring truer than for under-23 talents.
Therefore, we will be taking a look at a number of young talents who are primed to impress in Qatar this winter.
Today Zach Lowy joins us to discuss Diogo Costa
It has been six and a half years since Portugal achieved their first, and so far only major footballing triumph. An extra-time goal from Éder saw them defeat France 1-0 in Saint-Denis and lift the EURO 2016 title.
From that starting line-up, it is likely that Pepe, William Carvalho and Cristiano Ronaldo will be starting Portugal’s first 2022 FIFA World Cup match against Ghana, whilst Raphaël Guerreiro could very well be the first-choice left-back if Nuno Mendes is unable to recover from his muscular injury in time.
Renato Sanches could also make a return to the Seleção after missing the last call-up due to injury. Danilo (an unused sub in the 2016 Final) is a lock for a call-up, and João Moutinho and João Mário will be pushing for roster spots in an exceedingly crowded midfield selection.
Rui Patrício, who has racked up 104 appearances for Portugal since making his debut in 2010, would have fancied his chances to get the start in Qatar, but at 34, he will be forced to take a backseat role to perhaps the youngest starting goalkeeper in the entire tournament.
Born in Rothrist, Switzerland to Portuguese parents, Diogo Costa moved to Portugal at the age of 7, joining Porto’s academy in 2011 and making his debut for the reserves on August 6, 2017.
There, Costa would make 32 appearances, and lead Porto’s B side to a seventh-place finish in the second tier.