Portugal breezed through the qualifiers to win every single match of their campaign for the first time.
Often playing enthralling football, they scored 36 goals and conceded just two, but their opponents in the group, except for Slovakia, offered little resistance. Twice, they edged past the Slovakians with a single-goal win. Cristiano Ronaldo had a big hand in Portugal’s success, scoring ten goals in the campaign.
Tournament Record
After reaching the semi-finals on three occasions, Portugal came good at Euro 2016 when in smash-and-grab style they conquered the continent, defeating the hosts in the final with an extra-time goal.
Fernando Santos’s team played defensive, unattractive football but knew how to grind out results. Memories of Cristiano Ronaldo limping and managing on the touchline during the final remain vivid. This will be Portugal’s ninth participation in the European championship. Before 1996, they qualified just once for the competition.
The Manager
Roberto Martinez took over from Fernando Santos and became an instant hit with his attacking style of play and charming communication style.
He previously managed several clubs in the UK and the national team of Belgium, where he led the ‘golden generation’ to a bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup. Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup however became a disillusion. That’s one of the enduring criticisms at his address: Martinez’s teams achieve too little success.
The Star Player
Even at the age of 39, withering in the Saudi desert, there is no way around Cristiano Ronaldo, who for almost two decades has been the talisman of the Portuguese team. There is little need to highlight his honours list, but at the last World Cup in Qatar, it all went wrong for the number 7, who doesn’t accept defeat.
Substituted three times in the group stages, he departed the stage crying after the elimination by Morocco in the quarter-finals, realising that his dream of winning the World Cup would never materialise. It felt like the end of his time with the national team, but he has made a comeback under Martinez.
What to Expect
With so much talent in the squad, Portugal are one of the contenders for the continental crown. Even in the twilight of his career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains inevitable.
It is his swan song, but the team is about so much more than their number seven. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota are but some of the other players in the first eleven and they are reaching an age band where time is beginning to run out. Portugal must capitalize on their riches and Martinez has given the team more flair and flexibility.
The style has shifted away from Santos’s defensive philosophy that had supporters up in arms toward the end of his tenure. After experimenting with a back three, Martinez has settled on a back four, but sometimes the holding midfielder – Danilo or Joao Palhinha – drops deep to allow the full-backs licence to roam.
Fernandes is the main playmaker, but he can switch positions with Bernardo Silva. Ronaldo remains the focal point up front. Portugal’s warm-up friendlies were a mixed bag, but they know how to gain momentum at a major tournament and should have few problems to get out of the group.
Schedule
Tuesday, June 18 Portugal – Czech Republic – BVB Stadion, Dortmund, 6 pm
Saturday, June 22, Turkey – Portugal – BVB Stadion, Dortmund, 6 pm
Wednesday, June 26, Georgia – Portugal – Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, 9 pm