World Cup 2014: Ricardo Quaresma cut from Portugal squad

Image source, Reuters

FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma has been cut from Portugal's World Cup squad after coach Paulo Bento named his final 23-man selection.

The 30-year-old, who re-joined Porto in January six months after leaving Al Ahli, had not won a cap in almost two years but had been named in the provisional 30-man squad.

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, makes the cut despite a hamstring injury.

He has missed Real Madrid's last two games.

However, the forward is expected to be fit for Saturday's Champions League final with Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United's Nani is the only English-based player in the squad.

"The position of national team coach carries a lot of prestige and is not immune to criticism," Bento said.

"I have to accept that people will question my decisions. Nani has difference characteristics to Quaresma."

The other players to be dropped are goalkeeper Anthony Lopes (Lyon), defenders Antunes (Malaga) and Rolando (Inter Milan), midfielders Andre Gomes (Benfica) and Joao Mario (Vitoria) and forward Ivan Cavaleiro (Benfica).

Portugal are in Group G with Germany, Ghana and the United States.

Goalkeepers: Beto (Sevilla), Eduardo (Braga), Rui Patricio (Sporting).

Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Fabio Coentreo (Real Madrid), Joao Pereira (Valencia), Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Costa (Valencia).

Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Miguel Veloso (Dinamo Kiev), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting).

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (SC Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas), Nani (Manchester United), Rafa (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg).