Bruno Fernandes stole the show against Uruguay, as he scored both of the goals that allowed Portugal qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup. It was a far too conservative approach from Uruguay throughout the first seventy minutes of the match, but Diego Alonso’s substitutions rejuvenated his side enough to make the match […]
After a slow first half from both sides, a more open second half led to a flurry of goals. Portugal capitalized on transition moments to go 3-1 up in a flash, though a late goal from Osman Bukhari made the nine minutes of stoppage time a cagey affair for Fernado Santos’ team. Tactical analysis and […]
As Fernando Santos leads Portugal to their second World Cup under his tenure, there are many questions surrounding the squad going to Qatar. Though Portugal seem to be one of the oddsmakers’ better rated teams going into the tournament, a combination of underlying issues in the squad and antiquated tactics may hinder them from making […]
Giving up the high ground to their neighbors before the kickoff, Spain knew the imperative laid with them to force the issue. Still struggling to make the most of their dominance of the ball and the territory throughout the match, their growing enterprise paved the way to a dramatic finale. Tactical analysis and match report […]
After their shock success against Italy in one of the European playoff semifinals, North Macedonia had yet another massive hurdle to overcome if they were to realize their World Cup dream. Though North Macedonia put up a brave resistance initially, the hosts were able to comfortably prevail in the end. Tactical analysis and match report […]
International breaks are typically relatively quiet periods in the footballing world, but there was no rest this time around as the last few spots for the 2022 World Cup were up for grabs. In Europe, one of the playoff semifinals saw Portugal face Turkey, with the winner set to meet either Italy or North Macedonia […]
In a grim year for a gifted outfit, qualification for the World Cup would have been consolation for the Portuguese. But Serbia had other ideas. Stellar names made the hosts the favorites, but they fell foul to a familiar problem, enduring dramatic heartbreak to leave the nation in stasis. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Portugal have failed in their attempts to hold onto the crown. When asked to move out of their attritional style, attempts in breaking through an open Belgium fell flat on its face, as their buildup issues were aggravated. Belgium got the job done, but the same questions failed to be answered. Tactical analysis and match […]
Everyone remembers that Trezeguet goal in the Euro 2000 final, but prior to the left footed finish there was a brilliant solo move from Robert Pires who assisted the winner. Gliding past Demetrio Albertini, before pinning Fabio Cannavaro to the ground with a fake dribble inside then going outside to cross the ball. Written by […]
Portugal’s 4-3-3 system looked a bit more fluid with the ball than previously in the tournament, but still created almost nothing from open play. Meanwhile France’s reversion to a 4-2-3-1 system saw them, as ever, highly reliant on their individual talents to earn a point in this match. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh […]