Oceano, Portugals Own Stuart Pearce

I remember Oceano (meaning Ocean in Portuguese), Strong and in many similarities to Stuart Pierce as a leader and also a bit dirty. Opponents were sure to back out of tackles as he swept anything coming through the middle, he was a favourite of mine even though he played for Benfica’s rivals Sporting.

Now plying his trade as Portugal's U21s manager, and good to see a black manager in the Portuguese set up.

Here is a brief write up-

Oceano Andrade Cruz was born on the 29th of July 1962
The ex-Portuguese international was appointed U21 manager at the beginning of the 2009/10 season , to the 47 year old it was a new professional challenge, initiating a journey as main coach after a season working in the technical structure of the National Selection – Clube Portugal. (Portugal's selection policy)

After a long career at the highest level as football player, fundamentally playing for Sporting Clube Portugal, where he played for 11 seasons, and Real Sociedad, where was for three years, the ex-Portuguese international accepted the challenge of coach the National U-21's.

Oceano started his career as a football player when he was 13 years old at Almada AC and his first senior, season was the 1982/83, representing Odivelas FC. In the following season he headed to the Funchal where he represented National da Madeira, where showed qualities that brought the attention of Sporting who then signed him in the following year. Between the season 1984/85 and 89/90 he represented the Lions of Lisbon. Followed by a transfer to Spain where he had his first experience abroad playing for Real Sociedad,where he played for 3 seasons before returning to Alvalade.

The 1997/98 season he finished his Sporting career– after having worn the green and white stripes for 11 seasons – and headed to France to represent Toulouse in 1998/99, where he retired from playing at the end of that season.

He has won the Portugal Cup (1994/95) and two Supertaças Candido Oliveira (1986/87, 1995/96), the main titles achieved at the service of Sporting.

His farewell was on the 22nd of April of 1998, 13 years after he made his debut, was against England. The farewell of Oceano in the Seleccao coincided with the last meeting played at the old Wembley Stadium.

During his journey with the National team he played the final phase of Euro96 in England and played four qualifiers ( World Cup 98 [8 games], Euro 96 [6 games], World Cup 94 [9 games] and Euro 92 [8 games]). He captained Portugal six times, Scored 8 goals, Won 23 games, Drew 21 and lost 10.

Oceano Finished his UEFA PRO Licence in June 2009.

we will wait and see what will follow after the U21s where he is sure to be a success