Portugal’s hour of reckoning

thehindu.com

No team managed as many shots as Portugal in its opening two games at Euro 2016, yet all it has to show for it is one goal, two points and a possible early exit from the competition.

One of the most technically gifted teams, Portugal managed 50 goal attempts in the two games, featuring 17 on target, 17 off target and 16 which were blocked. After Germany, it is also the team that has enjoyed the most possession, at an average of 62 per cent per match.

But poor finishing means it goes into Wednesday’s Group F match against Hungary in third place and a distinctly uncomfortable position. Only a win over the unbeaten Hungarians will take it into the last 16 without depending on other matches.

Hungary, meanwhile, needs a draw to make sure of a top-two finish although even if it loses, it could qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of Portugal’s biggest culprits, missing an easy chance late in the 1-1 draw with Iceland and firing a penalty against the post late in the Austria match.

Portugal’s players have offered little insight into what is going wrong, saying merely that if they keep trying, the goals will start flowing eventually.

“We can’t just keep making excuses about the ball not going in. We played well and we were superior to a very strong team. Our time will come, and that will be in the next game. We are going to be very lucky and all our shots will go in,” said Nani.

Midfielder Adrien Silva also played the optimism card. “We’re not even thinking of another draw, it’s not part of our mentality and would not demonstrate our quality. We have to resolve this solution and win the last match in the group. I’m sure we will do it.”

Coach Fernando Santos said that a ruthless approach was required. “Sometimes, I get the feeling that we are ashamed about being ugly, or not being pretty. If we have to be ugly and that brings us efficiency, we have to be ugly,” he said.

“I’m ugly by nature and I don’t mind being even uglier,” Silva said.