It is time for Portugal to get serious now. No more playing around, and waiting for things to happen. It's time to perhaps play with more confidence from the first whistle. Start taking the game to their opponents from the start and actually try and score rather than sit back waiting for a mistake to happen before pouncing. In order to do that, their young starlet, Renato Sanches must stop coming off the bench and has to start games now.
Portugal were not bad in the group games, and have looked more exciting than previously, were they were labored and far too pragmatic for a team with such talent. They've been unlucky not to win yet in ninety minutes when you look at the amount of shots they've had and chances created. The new faces such as Andre Gomes, William Carvalho, Joao Mario and Vierinha have added more spark to how they move forward resulting in a more positive approach.
Then something changed against Croatia. Maybe it was from the manager, the players, the fact that this was now knockout football or they were playing the team who had just beaten the holders. Whatever the reason, Portugal reverted back to their 2012 self. Negative, frightened to bring players forward and were happy to hold Croatia until penalties.
When Renato came onto the pitch, keep in mind this is an eighteen year old whipper-snapper, he wanted to win the game for his country. At every opportunity he had, the kid wanted to bring the ball forward and do something to create a goal. That's some very big balls for a youngster in the biggest game that he's ever played and on such a stage. In the end, his approach was rewarded because it was through his run that resulted in a combination of Nani, Cristiano and Quaresma getting the winner.
So I don't see why Portugal don't just start with the kid, who we know can easily last one hundred and twenty minutes if goes so far. He's not there yet and has to clean up aspects of his game, working on his touch and focus on the ball, making sure not to lose it cheaply. But the essentials are there. Body balance, control and an attack-minded mentality which kids, is how you win games and tournaments.
I doubt Santos will start him and I predict he will go again to be ultra conservative, and once he sees Poland getting tired, then he'll throw on Sanches to liven things up. It may work again, but what if the game is already beyond them and it's too late for Renato to alter things in their favour?
Tis a risky game to play by assuming you can hold a team with a defensive approach. It should work against an inexperienced Polish team but football has its way of springing up surprises. Best not to tempt fate? HH
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