Portugal’s hopes at the 2026 World Cup became a little more challenging after they played out a goalless draw with Colombia on Saturday, June 27. A draw in the Portugal vs Colombia match meant that Portugal finished second in the group and will face Croatia in the round of 32.
It was the second goalless draw at the Portugal 2026 World Cup in three matches, as Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to be a spectator for most of the Portugal vs Colombia match after his brace against Uzbekistan in the previous match.
Portugal 2026 World Cup: Portugal’s Attack Fails Again
Colombia attempted 26 shots in the match compared to Portugal’s 13, and also managed 55% of the ball possession.
If the goalless draw against DR Congo was the result of clever defending by Roberto Martinez’s men, the match against Colombia saw the Portuguese being second best for much of the game.
Colombia appeared quicker in transition and more deadly with their crosses into the box, while Portugal’s attack failed to settle down after an early onslaught, as in the match against DR Congo.
The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score is there for all to see; However, another annoying thing is that he was not replaced even though the match almost ended in a draw.
This can be caused by two different reasons. Firstly, there is a subplot regarding Ronaldo and his presence on the pitch that seems more important than the fate of his team, which goes unexplained.
Second, Portugal does not have a good enough player on the bench to use as a center forward. Goncalo Ramos, the Paris Saint-Germain striker, scored 10 goals in 26 games, but has only scored two goals in his last 12 games for his country. Moreover, he has never scored a goal against a top team in his international career.
Goncalo Guedes is another option they have as a number nine, but his eight goals in 34 international caps is not something to get excited about either.
Thus, Portugal’s initial push for goals should see them utilize the wings with Pedro Neto and Joao Cancelo, but this strategy did not last long, and the team looked mediocre after that.
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Portugal 2026 World Cup Campaign: Tough Task in the Knockout Stage
Portugal will likely have their Iberian neighbors Spain as their opponents in the last 16 if they manage to overcome the challenge posed by Croatia.
Croatia made it to the World Cup final in 2018 and to the semifinals in 2022 and certainly won’t give up easily.
However, Spain, perhaps the second strongest team in the competition on paper after France, will pose a different threat.
Portugal won’t find it easy to score against Spain’s defense, which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
However, the subplot related to Ronaldo’s performance needs to be removed first for Portugal’s hopes at the 2026 World Cup.
Despite his accomplishments, he is just part of the team and that is something to remember. Demands from sponsors, media and fans may suggest otherwise, but Roberto Martinez must make his team’s performance his top priority.
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