0-1！ In this round of the UEFA Nations League, Portugal lost to Switzerland on the road and failed to continue their unbeaten momentum. Because Spain won the Czech Republic 2-0 at home in this round, it also helped them overtake Portugal and rise to the top of the group.
In this game, portugal suffered a critical blow in the opening minute, the Swiss team crossed from the right, and none of the Portuguese players in the penalty area could break the ball, and finally Seferović's header went into the dead corner and scored a key goal for the team.
The use of veteran coach Santos in this campaign has also been questioned, and when he faced switzerland, who is ranked 14th in the world, he actually put Jota and Bernardo Silva on the bench, and also took a leave of C Ronaldo. This is currently portugal's strongest offensive configuration, and the results can be imagined.
In particular, let C Luo take a break, so that the fans are even more inexplicable. You know, C Ronaldo has never been a person who will take the initiative to ask for rest, as long as there is a game, he would like to start the game, and as a result, this game against Switzerland, C Ronaldo did not even enter the big list, it is obvious that this is Santos's arrangement. Judging from the game against the Czech Republic, the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is really tired, but he is not to the point where he cannot play in Switzerland. Even if C Ronaldo is not physically strong, he can also be used as a substitute, with him as a backhand, I believe that the Portuguese team may not lose to the opponent in this game.
What's even more amazing is that Santos let the 37-year-old Ronaldo rest, but arranged for Pepe, who is 2 years older than him, to start and played a full 90 minutes. Plus this game, this UEFA League match, 4 rounds of matches, Pepe all started and played every minute, will C Ronaldo be tired, Pepe will not be tired?
Since Pepe can persist, I believe that C Ronaldo can also, but Santos did not give C Ronaldo this opportunity. But then again, Pepe did fight for gas, and although he fought continuously, his state was not affected. Although pepe conceded the ball in the opening minute, pepe was not to blame, because the quality of the opponent's cross was too high, and pepe could not intercept it.
After conceding the ball, the Portuguese defence led by Pepe did not give switzerland any more chances. Not only was he defensively solid, but he also nearly scored a goal to draw against his opponents. In the 88th minute of the game, the Portuguese team besieged the opponent in the front court, Pepe rose to the top and also ran to the front to support his teammates. At that time, their attack was blocked by the opponent, the ball fell to Pepe, he lifted his foot and shot, but unfortunately the ball was still blocked.
I have to say that Pepe is indeed a god, although he did not take the opportunity to score a goal in this game to equalize for the team. However, as a veteran who is about to turn 40, Pepe's performance in this campaign is definitely worthy of his starting position. The backcourt superstar gritted his teeth and persevered to the end.
In recent years, the Portuguese team has a surge of talent in the frontcourt, in addition to Felix, Leo has gradually grown, and they are likely to carry the national team offensive banner after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. In contrast, portugal's defence is hard to rest assured. Although Díaz (who is still recuperating) and Pereira play for giants such as Manchester City and Paris, respectively, the most trusted center-back is pepe.
It is no wonder that Santos did not dare to let Pepe rein easily, once he is not present, the Portuguese defense line may be full of holes. From now on, after the World Cup at the end of this year, Pepe may not be able to retire from the national team, only until Díaz and others have grown up completely, he can leave, and the current Portuguese team cannot do without Pepe!