The Portugal team suffered another setback in its preparation for Euro 2024 this Saturday evening. While they had already lost their teeth against Slovenia last March (2 – 0), the Seleção this time lost against Croatia, for their return, ten years later, to the Estádio National do Jamor (1 – 2).
Besides the result alone – which is worth what it is worth in a friendly match – it is above all the defensive aspect which worries us. In their last four meetings, Portugal have conceded two goals per game. If this evening’s adversity was tough, that imposed by Finland (4 – 2), Slovenia (2 – 0) and Sweden (5 – 2) was less so.
Asked at a press conference after the match against Finland, Roberto Martinez explained that the two goals scored by Teemu Pukki were due to a lack of concentration on the part of his team.. An answer that is understandable but which, through repetition, gradually becomes inaudible. Because the Spanish technician had also emphasized the need for the team to keep clean sheets against Luka Modric’s teammates. It was not the case.
Pepe: the miracle solution?
The solution to the woes of the Portuguese defense could be called Pepe. At the age of 41, the FC Porto defender is sorely missed alongside Rúben Dias. Neither Toti Gomes, who is not on the list of 26, nor Antonio Silva, nor Gonçalo Inácio rose to the occasion when Roberto Martinez called on them. The one who will play his fifth European Championship in a few days was the victim of several physical problems throughout the season which forced his coach to do without him in 9 of the 10 qualifying matches. Knowing the beast, there is no doubt that his return this Tuesday, against Ireland, will set the tone.
