Key events
Preamble
Rui Patricio; Cédric, Fonte, Pepe, Guerreiro; Carvalho; Sanches, Silva, João Mário; Nani, Ronaldo: names branded on to the soul of all Portuguese football fans. And yet the team which won the 2016 Euros, a first international title after a long wait and much pain, is so inferior to the one that’s since failed even to get close, it’s almost silly.
Football, though, is an art not a science, the job of balancing a team needing feel as much as calculation – feel which eluded Fernando Santos and, so far, has eluded Roberto Martínez too.
Previously, it’s been easy to blame Cristiano Ronaldo, his inability to press making it almost impossible to play a modern style and by whose mere presence everyone connected with team seems awed. Now, though, the tactical meta has changed a little – the best teams often sit off – and the players behind him are so good, their standing in the game so high, they really should be able to carry the physical slack while facilitating finishing that remains excellent. Their time is now – but also, their time was in 2020, 2022 and 2024 – with no guarantee that Bruno Fernandes, Berrnardo Silva, Rúben Dias and João Cancelo will sustain their current levels until 2028. That’s a lot of pressure for a group who’ve not worn it well.
Nor will DRC make things easy. Previously renowned for chaotic attacking, under Sébastien Desabre they’ve morphed into a doughty defensive outfit, one that is hard to penetrate but struggles to penetrate. They had to fight to qualify, needing a playoff and extra time, but now they’re here, participating in their first World Cup since 1974, they won’t be easy to shake. And, as Spain discovered, any team that is disciplined and organised can be hard to break down, the pedigree of the DRC back four – it features Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku – of far greater pedigree that Cape Verde’s.
Of course, the likeliest outcome is a comfortable Portugal win but, as the game – and real life – never tire of reminding us, they don’t care for what should happen, only for what does happen. The line between immortality and ignominy is thin.
Kick-off: 12pm local, 1pm EDT, 6pm BST, 3am AEST
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