Kick off is close and another semi-final awaits Portugal. They are the favorites, going up against the inexperienced Polish, but for them to be on the safe side and almost guarantee themselves passage to the final four, then their figure-head and top goalscorer has be involved far more in the game.
I think Cristiano may have had only one shot on target against Croatia in almost two hours of football. That shot was a decisive one that lead to the winning goal. but for someone as lethal as he is in front of goal, it's scandalous that he was given such few chances. You don't have such a prolific goalscorer in your team and don't heavily involve him in the game.
Normally I'd blame him and lament on how this is evidence for how useless he is, but this time the finger must be pointed at Santos. Portugal's tactics were very clear; not to go out and win the game, but make sure they don't lose. A perfect example in negative football and one that completely disregarded Cristiano.
CR7 wasn't part of the Santos's plans. That's why many would say Pepe was the man-of-the-match because he was far more involved than any Portuguese attacker that night. It was a very defensive approach and Santos, perhaps knowing the threat Croatia posed, was ultra careful and didn't want to open his team up to any counter attacks and give Perisic any space to run. Which is all well and good, but maybe they were a bit too respectful and did not believe enough in their own ability.
Santos has got to change his approach. It's a risky game to play believing Pepe and Carvalho (celebrating is 80th birthday this week) will keep on holding teams, with so much pressure being put on them. They're a good defensive pair and have played well this tournament, but they aren't anywhere as good as the Italian back three who are the elite defenders in the world now. That defence, oh lord, that's for another discussion.
So for our Portuguese defensive pairing to invite so much pressure with giving none back, that may tell either tonight or surely in the semi, where they will most likely face Belgium. Poland may not have such an attacking thrust, but Belgium surely do and have shown it already. Sitting back without attacking against them may cost you.
You've got one of the game's greatest goalscorers in your team; you ought to get more out of him as well as Nani, Quaresma, Mario and Gomes who can all come together as one to provide for Cristiano. All he needs is a good enough chance and it's in the back of the net. It's what he does, and he does it very well. So why not just be more positive, without being brainless and completely exposing yourself?
Santos, you can defend and attack as well, that is very possible. HH
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