Portugal in Group H
“He’s a monster” – veteran Pepe ahead of fourth World Cup
Should be in Portugal’s starting XI against Uruguay: Pepe. photo
© Tom Weller/dpa
At almost 40, Portugal’s Pepe could become the third-oldest outfield player at a World Cup against Uruguay. The coach has a dubious compliment ready for his veteran.
When asked about his veteran Pepe, Portugal national coach Fernando Santos had to smile briefly. “He’s a monster,” said the 68-year-old then, “just a monster.” Despite his age, Pepe, known for his aggressive style of play, is still an important part of the Portuguese national football team.
Aged 39 years, nine months and two days, Pepe is expected to play his fourth World Cup on Monday, becoming the third-oldest outfield player in the history of the competition.
Pepe missed Portugal’s opening game against Ghana (3-2), today (8 p.m. CET/ARD and MagentaTV) against Uruguay he should now be in the starting XI. “He will play and have a very important role,” said Santos of the FC Porto defender. After 2010, 2014 and 2018, it will be Pepe’s fourth participation in the World Cup. As far as field players at World Cups are concerned, only Cameroon’s Roger Milla at 42 and most recently Canadian Atiba Hutchinson, who celebrates his 40th birthday a good two weeks before Pepe in early February, have been older.
Unforgotten in Germany is the appearance of the FC Porto defender at the start of the 2014 World Cup, when he received a red card against Germany and lost his selection 0:4. Opponents Uruguay also know the robustly playing veteran whose real name is Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira very well.
“We all know Pepe,” said Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. “He’s an extraordinary player. The game against him and Portugal will be a good test for us. We have our own weapons.”