World Cup 2014 Qualifying Groups announced

Europe has announced the qualifying groups for the World Cup in Brazil for 2014. The winners of the nine groups automatically qualifying while the best eight runners up play a head to head to see which four will also advance to the World Cup.

Group A- Croatia, Serbia, Belguim, Scotland, Macedonia, Wales

Group B- Italy, Denamrk, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Malta

Group C- Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Austria, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan

Group D- Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Andorra

Group E- Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Iceland

Group F- PORTUGAL, Russia, Isreal, N. Ireland, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg

Group G- Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lithuania, Lativa, Liechtenstein

Group H- England, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro, San Marino

Group I- Spain, France, Belarus, Finland, Georgia

Nacional win, Guimaraes draw in Europa League play

Nacional earned a 3-0 home victory in the first leg of their Europa League encounter with Hacken from Sweden. The Madeira side scored three first half goals with Matheus getting a brace and Luis Alberto the other.

Guimaraes on the other hand played to a scoreless draw on the road with Midtjylland from Denmark, the Northern Portugal squad will be looking for the victory in their second leg encounter at home.

The two Portuguese sides will be in action again on August 4/11

Benfica roster for Champions League encounter

Benfica get set to kick off their European campaign at home tomorrow as the face Turkish side Trabzonspor in the first leg of Champions League play.

Jorge Jesus has announced a roster of 19 players for the enounter:

Goalies- Eduardo, Artur

Defense- Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Emerson, Jardel

Midfielders- Ruben Amorim, Javi Garcia, Matic, Bruno Cesar, Pablo Aimar, Enzo Perez, Nolito, Gaitan, Witsel

Forwards- Oscar Cardozo, Javier Saviola, Franco Jara

Benfica show interest in Valencia's Ricardo Costa

Benfica have been in touch with Valencia about Portuguese international Ricardo Costa moving to the Eagles on a 1 year loan. The 30 year old central back and former FC Porto player would be making a return to Portugal since being abroad since 2007.

Benfica would require a veteran center back with rumours swirling that captain Luisao could be moving to french side Paris St-Germain in the coming weeks and Costa would fit that slot easily.

Alan Kardec close to loan move with Santos

Benfica are said to be close to sending striker Alan Kardec to Brazilian side Santos on a season long loan. The 22 year old Brazilian arrived at Benfica in 2010 from Vasco da Game and has scores three goals with the club in 18 league games.

The Kardec loan could be a negotiating ploy by Benfica who are in the hunt for talented right back/midfielder Danielo and have placed a $10 million dollar offer on the 19 year old player.

Upcoming friendlies for Portuguese Clubs

The exhibition season is upon us once again as Portuguese clubs get set to start their friendlies after a summer break, upcoming games.

July 6/11 FC Porto vs Tourizense
July 6/11 Guimaraes vs Brasov (Rom)
July 8/11 Seia vs P. Ferreira
July 9/11 Beira Mar vs Brasov (Rom)
July 9/11 Trofense vs Rio Ave
July 9/11 Freamunde vs Braga
July 9/11 Benfica vs Nice (Fra)
July 9/11 Guimaraes vs Penafiel
July 10/11  Gutersoch (Ger) vs FC Porto
July 10/11  Servette (Swi) vs Benfica
July 11/11  Olhanense vs Crawley Town (Eng)
July 12/11  Dijon (Fra) vs Benfica
July 13/11  Benfica vs Leeds United (Eng)
July 13/11  Guimaraes vs Beira Mar
July 13/11  Aves vs Rio Ave
July 14/11  Belenenses vs U. Leiria
July 14/11  Hafnafjordur (Ice) vs Nacional
July 15/11  Benfica vs Paris SG (Fra)
July 16/11  Arouca vs Beira Mar
July 16/11  Braga vs Leixoes
July 16/11  Rio Ave vs Guimaraes
July 16/11  Mogladbach (Ger) vs FC Porto
July 17/11  Benfica vs Anderlecht (Bel)
July 17/11  FC Porto vs Verl (Ger)
July 20/11  Academica vs Arouca
July 20/11  Belenenses vs Olhanense
July 20/11  Leixoes vs P. Ferreira
July 21/11  Braga vs Moreirense
July 21/11  Rio Ave vs FC Porto
July 23/11  Maritimo vs Leixoes
July 23/11  Sporting vs Juventus (Ita)
July 23/11  Moreirense vs P. Ferreira
July 23/11  Naval vs Beira Mar
July 23/11  Olhanense vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Eng)
July 23/11  Belenenses vs Setubal
July 23/11  Penafiel vs Rio Ave
July 24/11  Maritimo vs Feirense
July 24/11  FC Porto vs Penarol (Uru)
July 26/11  Maritimo vs Penafiel
July 26/11  Gil Vicente vs Braga
July 27/11  Penafiel vs P. Ferreira
July 27/11  Beira Mar vs Academica
July 28/11  Feirense vs Maritimo
July 30/11  Maritimo vs P. Ferreira
July 30/11  Sporting vs Valencia (Spa)
July 30/11  Academica vs Feirense
July 31/11  Guimaraes vs Maritimo
July 31/11  Lyon (Fra) vs FC Porto
Aug 3/11   Feirense vs Rio Ave
Aug 6/11   Braga vs Aston Villa (Eng)
Aug 6/11   Benfica vs Arsenal (Eng)
Aug 6/11   Gil Vicente vs Rio Ave