JAKARTA - The Portuguese national team has confirmed a place in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. However, in the midst of the team's happiness, one of the senior defenders, Pepe, expressed anxiety.
Pepe's anxiety was apparently caused by his current age factor of 39 years. Therefore, he is not sure if he can still defend the Selecao das Quinas in Qatar in November.
If Pepe is still brought to Qatar by Portugal, he is not sure that Fernando Santos will need his strength in the finals and will still make him a mainstay in the Portugal national team's back line.
While on the other hand, Portugal's qualification for the 2022 World Cup is the fifth World Cup moment for Cristiano Ronaldo. On that occasion Pepe should still be able to duel with the star on the field.
Because of his worries, Pepe actually admitted that he would focus more on his club, FC Porto. He doesn't want to think too far and just tries to focus on the game that is in front of his eyes.
"I still don't know (appearing in the World Cup or not) there is still a lot of time. Now I have to focus on my club's game. I don't want to mix things up," said Pepe quoted by SportsMax.
"But I know that at this age I have to think game by game. Obviously I want to help Portugal."
Pepe's ability on the pitch to defend and assist in attack was still evident in the match against North Macedonia.
Because, through Pepe's perfect tackle, Portugal was able to launch a counter-attack and produce a cross for Bruno Fernandes to bear the goal that qualifies Portugal for the 2022 World Cup.
Regarding his views on the national team, for Pepe, Portugal currently has the qualities of a new world champion in Qatar with players playing for big European clubs.
"We have players with a big future, who play in big clubs in Europe. I believe we have the capacity to become world champions, but we will be calm, prepare well, so we can be at our level," said Pepe.
"It was an emotional night, the atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic, we felt the positive energy from everyone."
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