Portugal 4 x 0 Nigeria in an international friendly match before the World Cup
4 min read
Even without counting Cristiano RonaldoPortugal did not face any difficulties and crushed Nigeria 4-0 today (17), in the last friendly match before the World Cup, which was held at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. The number 7 shirt was cut from last commitment before the trip to Qatar due to gastroenteritis🇧🇷
In the absence of the playmaker who distinguished himself on the field was Bruno Fernandez, who scored the first two goals of the match, both in the first phase. In the second half, Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario rounded up the scoring.
Now, Portugal’s focus is on the cup. The selection led by coach Fernando Santos will appear for the first time in the World Cup next Thursday (24), at 13:00 (Brasilia time), when they face Ghana, which They beat Switzerland 2-0 in a friendly this morning🇧🇷
Who did well: Joao Felix
Despite Bruno Fernandes’ brace, the man of the match was Joao Félix. After being turned down by Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone despite being the most expensive signing in the club’s history, the number 11 had a fantastic night at Alvalade. Portugal’s best moves came from his feet – he was involved in goals from Bruno Fernandes (1st), Gonzalo Ramos and Joao Mario.
Deciding all the offensive moves, his highlight was when he kept Fernando Santos on the field in the first half and replaced Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandez, who scored two goals. Almost scored twice in the second half. At first, he stopped in a good defense from Uzoho. Then it ended up outside.
Joao Felix of Portugal in a friendly match against Nigeria
Image: High-Quality Sports Pictures/Collaborator
Who was bad: Andre Silva
Without Cristiano Ronaldo, it was up to Andre Silva to lead the attack. With the number 9 shirt on his back, the Red Bull Leipzig striker has been disappointed, as he has been doing in the current Bundesliga season. With a lack of movement and participation, the centre-forward did not take advantage of Fernando Santos’ opportunity and should be just a reserve in Qatar even with Diogo Jota’s absence at the World Cup.
Andre Silva of Portugal in a friendly match against Nigeria
Photo: Octavio Passos/Reporter
Main animation and portuguese domain
Unlocking the score took less than 10 minutes of play. On the 8th of the first half, Joao Felix received the midfield and made a great run for Dalot. The right-back lost his composure to clear the defenses and serve Bruno Fernandes, who took advantage of the empty goal to put Portugal ahead.
Even with the advantage, Fernando Santos’ side kept pressing and creating opportunities for expansion. In addition to Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese had good offensive participation from Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix.
Portugal extends the penalty
Already in the final stage of the first stage, at the 33rd, Bernardo Silva received a pass on the left and attempted a cross, but the ball went straight into the arm of Usai Samuel. The referee did not hesitate and awarded a penalty kick, which Bruno Fernandez converted, and chose to hit it in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the official striker. Since then, the Portuguese have been much calmer in the game and managed to gain the advantage with a little intimidation.
The Benfiquistas are celebrated in Alvalade
Even in the home country of arch-rivals Sporting – for whom an athlete was not first called up to the Portuguese national team – Benfica fans were the biggest in Portugal. With every touch of the ball by the Reds Antonio Silva, Joao Mario and Gonzalo Ramos, as well as Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva, Seixal’s offspring and supporters, the “fans” applauded. Even the Atlético Madrid striker’s impressive performance was much celebrated in Lisbon.
Rui Patricio saves the penalty kick at the end
There was still time for the goalkeeper to show his service to coach Fernando Santos. Portuguese cup holder Rui Patricio saved a penalty kick taken by Emmanuel Dennis in the 35th minute of the final stage.
Portugal closes the casket
A few minutes after the penalty kick was saved by Rui Patricio, Portugal doubled their lead on the larger scoreboard. After a good exchange of passes, Goncalo Ramos received from Joao Felix and scored the third goal. After that, João Mário took advantage of a new combination move to turn the score into a rout.
Go away Qatar!
After winning the last friendly match before the cup, the Portuguese national team leaves for Qatar tomorrow (18). The Portuguese are in Group H alongside Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea
data sheet:
Portugal 4 x 0 Nigeria
reason: International friendly
date and time: November 17, 2022 (Thursday), 3:45 PM (Brasilia time)
place: Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon (Portugal)
Yellow cards: Ricardo Horta (POR)
Objectives: Bruno Fernandes (POR) at 8′ and 34′ / Q1 (1-0 and 2-0), Gonzalo Ramos (POR) at 36′ / Q2 (3-0) and Joao Mario (POR), at 38′ / 2ºT (4 -0)
Portugal: Rui Patricio Dalot, Rúben Dias (Pepe), António Silva and Nuno Mendes (Raphaël Guerreiro); William Carvalho, Ottavio (Ricardo Horta), and Bruno Fernandez; Bernardo Silva (Joao Mario), Andre Silva (Goncalo Ramos) and Joao Felix. Technical: Fernando Santos
Nigeria: Ozoho. Osai – Samuel, Akpoguma, Trost Ekong and Basi; Ndidi, Lookman (Chukwese), Aribo (Etebo), Iwobi and Simon (Emmanuel Denis); Movie (Onwachu). Technical: Jose Peseiro
“Evil analyst. Explorer. Problem solver. Hardcore zombieaholic. Coffee fan. Writer. Bacon aficionado. Friendly reader.”
:strip_icc()/s03.video.glbimg.com/x720/11691670.jpg)
