top of page

Supp. Eight 'OUT'

  • Jun 21, 2018
  • 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo is quickly making a home for himself in another stratosphere with the heights he is hitting thus far in the tournament. The five time Ballon D’or winner struck with a bullet header in the opening four minutes to set the Portuguese up with a lead which would be consolidated throughout today’s game against a disappointing Moroccan side. Manager Herve Renard’s side will join fellow African disappointments Egypt out of the tournament with two straight losses.

Portugal impressed spearheaded by the wonderful Ronaldo. The 33 year old continued to get in dangerous positions and stepped up when it counted. The Portuguese manager had spoken of a need to alleviate the pressure on one individual and outlayed his desire for more players in the team to step up; but when Ronaldo is in this vein of form, it does not matter if others are not at their best. Santos’ men were not at their best, not too dissimilar to almost every performance since the start of the Euros two years ago. They were lucky in that Morocco could not finish their chances - a series of exquisite passes and passing patterns had led to chance’s in the second half but nothing would come of them and this potentially exciting proposition of a side will see the back of the tournament in the group stage. Perhaps Santo’s comments after the game are indicative of a wider issue with Portugal which may end up restricting them from advancing deep in the tournament: ”I’m not happy with my team’s performance, we couldn’t really have the ball and create pressure.” When his side face the big guns, it will be a huge test of just how far Ronaldo can drag this team forward.

Spain also took on Iran in the group. As expected, Carlos Queiroz’ side sat with 11 men behind the ball and looked to snatch a point, or a lucky goal from the possession hungry Spanish. The game brought a formation change from Fernando Hierro, who opted for the 4-5-1 with David Silva shifting inside tomidfield. He was accompanied by the experienced Iniesta and Sergio Busquets sat deep. Isco and Lucas Vazquez played on the wings; at right back, Dani Carvajal returned from injury to displace first round goal scorer Nacho Fernandez. The game went to script as the Spanish, adept in possession, kept the ball for large periods; it took a deflection to shoot home of Diego Costa to gift Spain all three points, a 1-0 win meaning they sit level with Portugal; perhaps Iran can feel unlucky after creating a few chances and going close in the later stages of the second half; they even put the ball in the back of the net before the chance was ruled illegal due to a hand ball in the build up. The Iranian’s are extremely well organised in all aspects of play and have given a great account of themselves since their first game against Morocco. The Spanish will roll on and look to top the group when they take on Morocco before heading to the group stages.

Elsewhere Uruguay took on the Russian-battered Saudi Arabians in group A as the sides met again. Luis Suarez’ 23rd minute strike, an archetypal Suarez ‘poachers’ goal, proved to be enough for the win in another underwhelming Uruguayan showing - they undoubtedly have the tools to go far but they must start to resemble a more flowing and engaging attacking outfit.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page