Portugal’s national basketball team expresses strong confidence and a renewed sense of maturity as it kicks off its 2027 World Cup qualification campaign against Montenegro on Thursday, even as key players are sidelined.
Point guard Diogo Ventura, who will captain the squad for the upcoming matches, highlighted the team’s significant growth since previous defeats to Montenegro in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
“We weren’t the team we are now, not at all,” Ventura stated. “We are now a much more mature team, with many more chances and ambition to win, against a very strong team.”
Portugal previously lost to Montenegro 83-69 away in November 2021 and 77-62 at home in July 2022.
The team will be without Boston Celtics starter Neemias Queta, unavailable due to NBA commitments, and regular captain Miguel Queiroz, who is injured.
Despite these absences, Ventura emphasized the squad’s collective strength. “We always have a giant unity and, many times, that’s what pushed us to important victories, in difficult moments, in difficult games,” he said.
Portugal’s optimism is also fueled by a strong performance at a recent EuroBasket tournament. The team reached the knockout stage, securing victories against the Czech Republic and Estonia before being eliminated by eventual champions Germany.
“We come from a very important competition,” Ventura explained. “The last time we were together was at the EuroBasket, a stage where we did so well. Now, the thought is to continue at the same level.”
The upcoming match in Podgorica, Montenegro, is anticipated to be a rigorous contest. Ventura described Montenegro as a “very physical team” and stressed that Portugal “must match their intensity” for what will be “a very tough game.”
Ventura, a player for Sporting, will lead the team in Queiroz’s absence, with Rafael Lisboa serving as vice-captain. This selection was made by national coach Mário Gomes.
The game marks Ventura’s 62nd appearance for the national team since his debut in July 2019.
Ventura acknowledged the temporary nature of his captaincy. “It’s a huge responsibility and at the same time a huge pride, knowing that this is Queiroz’s place,” he said. “I’m only the captain until he returns from injury, and I take this opportunity to send him a big hug and say that he is greatly missed here. We hope he returns as soon as possible.”
The match against Montenegro is scheduled for Thursday at 5:00 PM UTC.
Following the encounter with Montenegro, Portugal is set to host Greece in Matosinhos on Sunday.
The qualification Group B also includes Romania, with the top three teams advancing to the second qualification phase.