Portugal – so much more than just Cristiano Ronaldo
When you have Cristiano Ronaldo in your team, it is often so hard to look past him. In the case of Portugal however, the fact that so many are designating them as a one-man operation plays directly into their hands.
Portugal’s 5-1 win tonight against the Republic of Ireland in New Jersey was their final match before they head south to Brazil, and they did not disappoint. With Ronaldo starting the match, his return to fitness has put the entire tournament on alert, and fellow Group G occupants United States and Ghana will be even more concerned about their chances of progressing.
"Portugal starting XI tonight v IrelandGK: Rui PatricioDF: Ruben Amorim, Luis Neto, Ricardo Costa, Fabio CoentraoMF: Willam Carvalho; Joao Moutinho, Raul MeirelesFW: Varela, Hugo Almeida, Cristiano Ronaldo"
With the exception of Pepe and Bruno Alves replacing Ricardo Costa and Luis Neto, this is the XI that Portugal will rely on in Brazil. Ronaldo may be their talisman, but there is so much more to Os Navegadores than the Real Madrid superstar.
Varela (right) put in a brilliant performance, giving Nani a run for his money for the starting birth. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The performance of Varela and Vierinha at right-wing showed spectators that Portugal’s opposition have concerns on the other flank, far from Ronaldo on the left. Varela was directly responsible for both of Hugo Almeida’s goals and was a threat from the first whistle till he was taken off. His replacement Vierinha showed why he is so highly touted in the Bundesliga, while Almeida’s threat in the box is sure to give Portugal’s opponents headaches at the back. Simply put, Portugal are incredibly dangerous going forward in so many ways that have nothing to do with Ronaldo.
While so many will target ways to shut down Ronaldo and Portugal’s spearhead, their biggest strength lies in the midfield trio of Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles and William Carvalho.
Joao Moutinho (right) pulls the strings for the Portuguese. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The M&M boys have been partnering each other for the national team for years, and have boast a cohesive understanding that is second to none. New-boy Carvalho, fresh off a fantastic season at Sporting Lisbon, displayed his dominance in the defensive midfield role and his coolness on the ball gives Moutinho license to surge forward in the attack with late runs into the box. This is a midfield triumvirate that will certainly cause massive issues for both the United States and Ghana, and can even give the German’s a run for their money.
As for their defense, it is traditionally not their strong point, but in Pepe they have a commanding center back who has seen and done it all for Real Madrid. Bruno Alves offers a solid partner in the center of the defense, but it is the Energizer Bunny-type performances from Fabio Coentrao that must be highlighted.
Fabio Coentrao is a key asset to Portugal in both the offensive and defensive third’s of the pitch. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
He is currently a team mate of Ronaldo in Madrid, and it cannot be understated how important the telepathic understanding between the two is. Because Ronaldo loves to tuck in centrally so much and get a look at goal, Coentrao’s late runs down the left flank in the space that was left remaining gives Portugal a further added dimension to the attack. But don’t let his attacking preference fool you, Coentrao is as good as anyone at tracking back on defense after darting up the pitch in a supporting role.
Portugal do not have the star power or the preceding reputation that the German’s can bring to the discussion, but make no mistake about the quality they have throughout their side. While the German’s are almost a lock to top the group, it would be wise not to bet against Portugal finishing as the runner-up.
The United States and Ghana will surely work just as hard as the Portuguese, but hard work only goes so far in a World Cup. The Portuguese have technical ability that far exceeds their non-German opponents, and it is that decisive factor that will help them push on.
It is often so easy to pin-point one player out of a teams XI and say that if you can shut him down, you shut the team down. Anyone who says that often forgets that football, and especially when it comes to the World Cup, is a team game. Yes Ronaldo dons the red and green of Portugal, but so do ten other very good players – to ignore them will surely spell disaster.