Monday, December 12, 2022

Portugal and Santos' Bad Gamble

The benching of arguably one of the best footballers in the planet during the crucial Portugal vs Morocco match was very suspect. Cristiano Ronaldo was well rested since he only played in the 2nd half of the Switzerland match. Fernando Santos thought he could apply the same strategy against a scrappy Moroccan side who has only conceded one goal the entire tournament. All firepower was needed. 

The greats need to define themselves but they can't do it if they are not on the pitch. Win or lose, if Ronaldo played full in that game, it would have been an acceptable result.

I am not an avid football fan but I think the Moroccan's play a deep defensive type of football and when given the chance, goes for the quick counter attack. Since the opposing team has moved more players forward to break the wall, the African side can do serious damage once they get the ball and go on the offensive. 

Spain and Portugal, Iberian neighbors, falling short against their southern counterpart. The Franks are next. Charlemagne will be watching.

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