After qualifying for the last 16 and first in Group F even before facing Georgia on Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo's teammates confirmed their place in the European Championship.
If we had told him that Portugal would not even need to play their third match, while big nations like France, England, Italy and the Netherlands are trying to dispel doubts, Roberto Martinez would surely have signed on immediately. The Spanish coach has made a successful start to his first tournament in charge of the Seleção, ensuring that they are top of Group F ahead of their final group game against Georgia on Wednesday (9pm).
Portugal were scared for a long time against the Czech Republic (2-1) before sweeping Türkiye (3-0). “Two completely different games”Bernardo Silva pointed out on Saturday after the second win. The Portuguese felt reassured when they saw that they could overcome, first and foremost, the Czechs who were determined to finish the game and “park the bus”, to use the metaphor dear to José Mourinho. Then they enjoyed “Spaces in the back” From the Turkish team that “high pressure”Bernardo Silva pointed out.
Guaranteed increase in power
Two different encounters for two successes, even if the Czechs' form and solid defence had long frustrated a clumsy and uninspiring Portugal. “We have improved compared to the first game.”Martinez, 50, who has twice played in the European Championship and the World Cup as Belgium coach, swears: In Portugal, we know better than anyone else, since 2016, that the future winner can gain strength and develop throughout the tournament.
These two matches have also allowed Martinez to experiment with two systems, a 3-4-3 and then a 4-2-3-1. It is as if Portugal are fine-tuning their preparations ahead of facing the big names, for whom a little tactical flexibility would do them no harm. Individuals are also expected to be around the corner, and there have been encouraging signs.
Bernadette Szabo/Reuters
Bernardo Silva, who holds some of the keys to the Portuguese game, was named man of the match against Turkey, after wandering around like a lost soul in the first match. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha confirmed his new status as an indestructible player. Defender Pepe (41 years old) was the name of the second match, with more victorious duels, good expectations and a flow that did not betray his age. “We can be sure that he can continue playing after the Euros at the highest level.”He praised goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo, zero goals but a good leader
Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo, despite not scoring yet, shone with his selflessness by providing a goal for Bruno Fernandes last Saturday, when he could have taken the ball himself. “He is a goalscorer, he lives for the goal, but he looks for the pass. This is an example of what we must show in all football schools in Portugal.Martinez praised. A gesture that Ronaldo probably wouldn't have received in 2022, upset and annoying, when he becomes a substitute at the end of the World Cup, far from the calm and newfound leadership of the current CR7.
At 39, the best scorer in the history of the Euros, and now also the best passer, has shown that he still has the strength to do the old dribbling, and his technical prowess has, so far, been enough to prevent it. He is holding back the dynamic attack of the Seleção. Of course, there are question marks. Left winger Rafael Leão, suspended for the third match, was completely wrong against Turkey. The right-back position (Diogo Dalot or João Cancelo) offers no guarantees. The adversity faced must be put into perspective.
However, Portugal still have time to see that coming. Martinez is set to make changes to his lineup against Georgia on Wednesday, before a round of 16 match against the third-placed team in the group on Monday, July 1. “We are on the right track”expressed his appreciation for Bernardo Silva. Which leads to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on July 14. But there will be no disturbance, that's for sure.
