Portugal have played their three World Cup group stage matches and, honestly, what the fuck was that? I thought Portugal were favourites, and on paper they are, but every time they play, most of the time it’s just depressing.
The first game against Congo: over 80% possession and just one shot on target, which ended up being the goal. Portugal looked tired, and not just tired, they looked like they couldn’t be bothered. As if they thought all they had to do was step it up a little and the game would be won. It wasn’t. It ended in a draw.
Against Uzbekistan, Portugal came out completely differently: aggressive, quick, full of intensity. They played really well. Two goals from Cristiano, one from Nuno Mendes and another from Leão at the end. That’s what’s expected: attitude, tempo, seriousness. 5-0, exactly as it should have been.
And then came the game against Colombia and it was back to the same old story. No desire, no urgency. Portugal needed to win to move into the “easier” side of the knockout bracket and they simply didn’t want to. I genuinely think Portugal didn’t want to win. It feels like they chose to end up on the other side to face Croatia.
Bruno Fernandes is unrecognisable. He does nothing well, he looks lost. Vitinha adds nothing. Pedro Neto is far too limited for this level. And then, of course, the blame goes to Ronaldo, because he’s the easiest target, because it gets likes, because it gets clicks. Ridiculous btw.
I don’t understand Roberto Martínez or the coaching staff. I can’t look at this game and see a team that wanted to win. The lack of intensity, the lack of urgency… this doesn’t happen by accident.
Conclusion
Portugal now face Croatia in the knockout stage. If they win, they’ll play Spain or Austria. One game at a time. Croatia aren’t having an incredible World Cup, but they’re Croatia, and you can’t take them lightly.
Portugal have so much more to offer. So much more. The question is: what is going on? Is this really how Ronaldo’s last dance is going to be? It can’t be.