I know a win is a win but this was garbage today. We shouldn't make it so damn hard to win a game. We had it in the bag but couldn't get the 2nd goal.
If the Russians had capable strikers, they would of banged a couple near the end. We let them cross it in over and over. Not acceptable at this level.
I think garbage is a bit extreme no? It took a world class save to keep it from being 2-0. Lots of chances to extend the lead, but couldn't convert. We were the better team, save the final 10-15 mins where they basically parked the bus. Counter attack needed to be better, not even the counter attack itself just the finish. They had several great chances coming back the other way. All in all though a better performance than Sunday, although to lesser competition. Like you said though, win is a win and the 3 points here goes a long way in getting us through
Thank goodness, but I'm more frustrated after this match than I was after the Mexico match. No reason for Portugal to still be defending that 8th-minute header to the very end. Missed opportunities and lack of killer instinct today. Adrien Silva has to start. He was excellent when he entered against Mexico and plays with a controlled, smart aggressiveness that Portugal's defense needs in the middle of the pitch.
True but the Russians look like they want to win, but don't know what to do to win. They attack as a unit leaving the back exposed. They won't get lucky twice, the Mexicans will take advantage.
Great first 60 minutes where we should have been up by 2/3 clear goals. Horrible last 30, Fernando Santos special conservative tactics were on full display. Asking Bernardo to sit back and defend from deep, holding back our midfielders so when our front three got the ball they were isolated and surrounded by Russians and lost it...so stupid when we were dangerous everytime we pressed them. Great save on Andre Silva's header, and Ronaldo should have buried that chance in the first half where he destroyed that defender and was in alone and blasted it against the goalies leg. Andre Gomes is still so frustrating, those last 30 minutes he was absolutely invisible in midfield and lethargic. Joao Mario is missed a lot. Adrien did well, and William Carvalho was a beast. Better pray Gurreiro's injury isn't serious otherwise our leftside is going to be a highway with Eliseu.
The team with a much better attitude today. Against mexico they played half asleep, today they were 2/3 awake. Playing like this Portugal would would have beaten mexico easily. Just too the second goal didn't come. Cedric, Adrien, WIlliam, Andre Gomes played very well today. Raphaël has been playing hurt you can tell he's not at this best. I hope Russia beats mexico on the last game.
By garbage, I mean they didn't have to suffer. Kill the game and control the ball. Russia is not a powerhouse.We should have scored another. But, a win is a win Bring on the Kiwis
Not going to agree on this statement. Thought Ronaldo had a bad second half, missed the header, missed the cut back from Bernardo and missed the long ball when all he had to do is control it and he would have 30m of open space before he got to the keeper. No insults, this time . Thought Bernardo was easily our best player.
Mr. Statsman here. - First time the seniors score and win away against Russia. - Cristiano Ronaldo continues the legacy of scoring in every major tournament he takes part in. - 2nd consecutive time the seniors win against a tournament's host, after the historic win in France last year. Prior to that they had lost 5 times out of 5. Mental block finally overcome? - 9th consecutive time any Portugal NT wins a game against the tournament's hosts. - Russia loses its 5th ever competitive game at home. Notably, none of them has been by over 1 goal of difference, and the last 4 (including this one) have been all by 1-0. YET... the guys always have to make us bite our fingernails throughout. The more things change, the more they remain the same. ADDENDUM - First time Fernando Santos wins a group stage game for Portugal, and only the 2nd major tournament game ever in 90 minutes. - 9th major tournament game by Fernando Santos for Portugal, and no loss... yet.
We've seen better Mexico teams drop points it shouldn't, and I've had a feeling Mexico will do so in this group stage. The 2006 World Cup with their scoreless draw against Angola comes to mind.
Fair and I do appreciate the civil response. Overall a fantastic 1st have but not good in the second half. Just my opinion.
Hopefully against New Zealand we keep the same lineup but with Nelson Semedo instead of Cedric and Gelson instead of Andre Gomes since we'll be on the front foot throughout. Maybe Fonte back in for Alves because against Germany or Chile his lack of pace will cost us dearly.
You do realize Santos told him to sit back and just cover space in front of the fulllback right? Andre Silva was tired and removing him was a decent decision for Gelson, but he barely got a chance to attack with the way we were set out to play.
True. Tying against Portugal put them into a state of euphoria, and if they win by many goals today they might become overly confident for the last game, as they often do. On the other hand Russia knows they have to win to go through.