With problems scoring goals during the preparation matches, national team manager José Augusto Torres wanted to call up Rui Jordão, one of the key players two years before in France, who had not played the whole season due to a quarrel with his manager. On the other hand, Manuel Fernandes, who made one of his best seasons, scoring 30 goals, was not a viable option for Torres, to the dismay of Sporting fans. The team was eventually announced on 19 April: