Portugal made it a perfect start to their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win over Norway in Porto last night – their fourth win in four games under new coach Jorge Jesus.
Goals from João Cancelo and Gonçalo Ramos earned the Seleção the three points, with Vitinha back to his best, pulling the strings in midfield. Nathan Motz rates Portugal’s players.
Starters
Diogo Costa – 6.5
Tipped Nusa’s 26’ effort over then blocked Berg’s shot minutes later but could do nothing about Ajer’s freak outside-of-the-boot strike from range. Little else to do.
Nuno Mendes – 7.5
Inauspicious start. Let Schjelderup nick the ball off him to allow an early counter, receiving an elbow to the mouth for his trouble. Dispossessed easily on several occasions then decided to lock in, completing 100% of his passes in the first half. His throw-in from the left earned him an assist on Cancelo’s wondergoal. Trademark burst past multiple defenders in the 69’ to win a corner. Finished with a match-high 4 tackles, 2 clearances and 3 key passes to wrap-up a superb four-match series.
Renato Veiga – 7
Not as iconic as the last outing vs Norway, but no less effective. Won more aerial duels than any other player and finished joint-top in clearances (4). Could distribute more effectively from the backline.
Rúben Dias – 7
Did very well to track Haaland, especially when the Manchester City striker found space in the left side of the penalty area around the hour mark. He and Veiga cleared everything that came their way. Better distribution than his counterpart with one key pass on 52/60 attempts.
João Cancelo – 8
Feast or famine – last night it was feast. But it started off like one of those matches which so vexes Seleção faithful. His 12’ challenge earning a yellow which rules him out of Portugal’s next match. Had a fierce shot tipped over in the 22nd then uncorked a devilishly swerving rip of Nuno Mendes’ long throw-in beyond Selvik to draw the hosts level. Had another great near-post effort clawed to safety in the 55th. Posted good defensive metrics and was more competent against Nusa this time around too.
João Palhinha – 5.5
Decent involvement but dispossessed twice in dangerous positions. Great backheel set up for a blocked Mendes effort in the 34’ then faded out of the match. Not enough end product from the Benfica man.
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Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
Truly remarkable 19’ ball to release Mendes down the flank which left supporters wanting more. Nice effort to the keeper’s right off a Vitinha pass on 31’ but had to take a more supporting role as the PSG man’s brilliance came to the fore.
Vitinha – 8.5, PortuGOAL.net’s Man of the Match
His performances have slowly grown since the World Cup and tonight was “Return of the Jedi.” Weak shot in the 10’ then fired over again in the 22’ but the old class in his boots was suddenly back. Effervescent and involved with 75 touches, Vitinha gracefully floated through traffic, exchanging clever passes (1st - 97%) all over the pitch with purpose. His effortlessly scooped chip over the backline – the vertical ball Portugal have so dearly missed – set up the winning goal. The maestro has returned!
Francisco Conceição – 6.5
Eventful night for the young Juventus winger. Had a 7’ shot blocked following a counter and ran hard at Wolfe, especially in the first half. Found Felix with a 21’ cutback then sent Cancelo free on the overlap. Lost his composure late on, mouthing off to the referee after receiving a yellow for simulation to pick up an immediate second yellow. Will miss the next match against Denmark. Three dribbles, 3 shots, and a match-high 4 key passes.
João Félix – 7.5
Finished his most successful international window in style. Wonderful 9’ move to get beyond two players, nutmegging Østigard and tiptoeing around Ajer. Match-high 4 dribbles and a delicately weighted cutback for Ramos’ winning goal. Not for the first time in his career, the challenge now will be maintaining this form and confidence throughout a long club/international season.
Gonçalo Ramos – 7
Quiet then had his first effort of the night beaten away for a corner in the 31st. Only 14 first half touches and Portugal’s least effective passer (74%). But his mishit, off-the-calf effort gives him 14 goals in 31 caps.
Substitutes
Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Good back-post cross for Veiga but Cancelo has him locked out of the starting XI on present form.
Rúben Neves – 6.5
Well-involved with two defensive clearances and one shot well-over from Bruno’s layoff. Safer on the ball than Palhinha. Great block in stoppage time as Ajer was threatening.
