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LISBON, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz announced a 23-man squad on Thursday for their opening World Cup Group One qualifiers next month, his first competitive matches in his second spell in charge.
Queiroz, who replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari at Portugal's helm after Euro 2008, included uncapped Sporting winger Yannick Djalo and recalled Atletico Madrid midfielder Maniche and Rangers' Pedro Mendes.
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable for selection as he is still recovering from ankle surgery.
Portugal begin their bid for a place in the 2010 finals in South Africa away to Malta in Ta'Qali on Sept. 6, and then host Denmark in Lisbon four days later. Sweden, Hungary and Albania are the other teams in the group.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Quim (Benfica), Eduardo Carvalho (Braga), Daniel Fernandes (VfL Bochum) Defenders: Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Fernando Meira (Galatasaray), Bruno Alves (Porto), Pepe (Real Madrid), Vitorino Antunes (Lecce), Miguel (Valencia) Midfielders: Raul Meireles (Porto), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Deco (Chelsea), Carlos Martins (Benfica), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg), Maniche (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Mendes (Rangers) Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Nani (Manchester United), Yannick Djalo (Sporting)
