Official 11: Anthony Lopes; Antunes, Paulo Oliveira, André Pinto, Cédric; André Gomes, Adrien, João Mário; Vierinha, Bernardo Silva, Hugo Almeida. Starts at 20:45h (WET).
Adrien/Lopes finally get a start. Oliveira from 'nowhere' could get a Euro 2016 place. But by far what I am looking forward to is the Adrien/Mário/Gomes/Silva combination. Hopefully the strikers play some minutes as we are starting with a false 9.
Only Hugo Almeida can look like the least experienced player when he is actually the most on either side. Amateur play in the box. Cabo Verde's keeper so far has made 3 great stops including one on Bernardo Silva.
Poor Anthony Lopes. Good luck getting a start any time soon after that 1-0 Cabo Verde. The same problem the 'A' team has this side is showing. Pure mania, no garra they just think they are all so good.
2-0 Cabo Verde Absolutely pathetic. Just like that other game vs Gabon where so many young guys had a chance to play for Portugal these clowns show up and embarrass themselves. So much for Mario/Silva/Adrien/Gomes they all look like Meireles
Yeah, that's not working at all. The midfield is a mess right now, I doubt they even know where each one is supposed to be playing.
HT 2-0 Cabo Verde Anyone that blames the wind or the crowd for this nonsense needs to get their heads checked. As understandable as it is for a bunch of new players to play with each other we have to keep in mind it's not the case as many have played with each other on the same clubs or youth teams. Despite the fact Portugal clearly has more talent they are LAZY cabo verde is playing for their lives and Portugal is out to sign autographs later and tell their family and friends they will soon be playing with Cristiano on the main side very soon....News flash you will all be "Pizzi'd" so much promise and you show up representing Portugal by trying not to run too hard or get hurt. Adrien had Almerda open a few times and yeah it would probably lead to Hugo shooting wide but it's still the play to make. This game should have been a blowout for Portugal with everyone trying desperately to make the case that they should get to play in the Euro....Raul Meireles Deserves a call up before these clowns. And I would say this even if it was 0-0. I hope the U21's all inherit the main side all at once as it is obvious anyone playing with Ronaldo, Nani and co all learn that it is totally cool to not give a shit and just wait for the ball to be at your feet before you move.
Silva IMO has been very good and Mário has been good. Adrien has been ok and Gomes has been terrible (showing his Benfica form). Lopes got beaten with a good amount of luck but his lack of height did not help either. Before everyone starts giving up, this is a starting 11 that have never played together against a good Cape Verde side.
Here we go again, everyone carrying on like little girls. Bernardo Silva has been the best player on the field, makes that little bit of extra space to hurt the opposition
You are right they are playing amazing. Bernardo should get a medal for this performance as a matter of fact I think they were all awarded medals before the game started.
You can sees Gomes is very unconfortable playing in that position, I would bench him or Adrien and get Danilo there, he might not be as good as the other two, but at least he's really a DM.
Did not lose a game at CAN went home with three draws. A good Cape Verde side look at their results in the last few years they have improved and are I think in the top 40 now (I know FIFA ratings are dubious but they are a good side.).
They had 2 shots in the first half and scored 2, they are not playing well but the reality is that this means more to Cabo Verde than it does to us. Little brother verse big brother I could not give 2 f@$ks about this game
Red Card for Andre Pinto looked like he got the ball. Pizzi and Eder coming on...let's see if they learned their lessons.
Sore losers The Portuguese players should care. They are playing for their future at the Portuguese national team. They are just obviously less talented and tactically naive as compared to their opponents.
Bernardo and João Mario were the only who played well. See why we cant just push the youngster from nowhere to the main squad? Hugo Almerda doing the same shitty as always.