Former Portugal defender Abel Xavier says Portugal have their strongest generation of players yet and believes Cristiano Ronaldo still has a realistic chance to end his international career by lifting the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to SuperSport ahead of Portugal’s Round of 32 clash against Croatia on Friday morning, Xavier said the depth and quality in the Portuguese squad gives them a genuine opportunity to challenge for the title, provided the team is set up correctly.

Portugal face Croatia in a high-stakes knockout tie live on SuperSport at 01:00 CAT, with both nations looking to extend their campaign in an expanded World Cup that has already produced surprises.

“I believe Portugal have a great chance,” Xavier said. “If we are talking about both quantity and quality, Portugal currently has the best generation of players. I believe that if the coach sets up the team properly, considering the number of quality players available, Portugal can achieve the results needed to take them at least to the semi-finals.”

Xavier, who played for Portugal during a key period in the country’s football development, said the current squad has the balance required to compete with the traditional World Cup favourites. He pointed to the mix of experienced players and emerging talent as one of Portugal’s biggest strengths.

The match also carries added significance because it could be Ronaldo’s final opportunity to win the only major trophy missing from his career.

At 41, the Portugal captain is widely expected to be appearing in his last World Cup, having already won the UEFA European Championship with his country and several major club honours.

For Xavier, a World Cup triumph would be the perfect final chapter for one of football’s most decorated players.

“I honestly believe Cristiano wants to finish his career with a major trophy,” he said. “I think the greatest trophy and the greatest privilege a player can have is winning something with their country. In my opinion, that is the ultimate prize.”

Croatia, however, are expected to provide a stern test. The European side have built a reputation for discipline, resilience and strong performances in knockout football, qualities that have made them difficult opponents in recent major tournaments.

Xavier said Portugal cannot afford to underestimate Croatia or any other side in a tournament format that has widened the competitive field.

“I think this World Cup is unusual because there are more teams and more unpredictable situations can happen,” he said. “There are some teams that may not appear capable of competing at the highest level, but they can still surprise people.”

He said the traditional favourites remain teams with a history of winning the tournament, including France, Brazil, Argentina and Spain.

However, he also placed Portugal and England among the sides capable of disrupting the established order.

Xavier also highlighted the growing threat posed by African and Asian teams, saying physical strength, tactical development and improved player experience have made the global game more competitive.

“If we talk about the physical strength of the African teams, and the pragmatism and tactical discipline of some of the Asian teams, they can also surprise people,” he said.

Born in Mozambique, Xavier said returning to the continent as part of SuperSport’s broadcast team had allowed him to reconnect with his roots.

“Being here has allowed me to reconnect with my roots because Africa is in my heart,” he said. “It is wonderful to be here, and I hope Bafana Bafana can bounce back.”

He said he wanted African teams to perform strongly, adding that the continent has the talent to compete with the best in the world. However, he said African football must reflect on why individual players continue to excel at top European clubs while national teams have not consistently reached the latter stages of the World Cup.

“If African players are individually capable of competing at the highest level and playing for the best clubs in Europe, why are we not consistently seeing stronger national teams?” he asked.

Xavier also pointed to coaching structures as an area that requires attention, noting that only a few African teams are currently led by local coaches. He said the development of tactical systems, continuity and clear football models would be critical if African nations are to make a deeper impact.

“When you talk about physicality, tactical awareness and understanding of the game, African teams have improved significantly,” he said. “If you are talking about skill, we have everything needed to compete with the very best.”

He identified Senegal and Morocco as the African teams that appear closest to making a major breakthrough, citing the work they have done and the structures they have put in place.

SuperSport is broadcasting all 104 matches of the tournament, supported by studio analysis, magazine shows and interviews with former players, including Xavier.

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