Portugal might be coming into the World Cup as the European champions, but they are way below in the pecking order in the list of favourites to win the title. However, that narrative is familiar for the Portuguese. After they weren’t anywhere in the picture before the start of the 2016 Euros, but were the party lifting the cup at the end of it all. Much of the credit for that triumph from two years ago goes to Fernando Santos who has transformed the team into a solid defensive side since taking over in 2014.
Under him, Portugal has reduced its dependency on star attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and has played as a unit focussing on defensive stability and giving just about enough for Ronaldo to produce his match-winning qualities. Many pundits and even coaches at the opposite dugout at Euro 2016 praised the Portuguese tactician for his side’s showing as a collective as they pulled off the impossible in France
At Russia, Portugal will rely on Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva and Gelson Martin for falir with Ronaldo leading the attack. However, it is defence that will give headaches to Santos who is expected to line up in a conservative 4-4-2 formation. Their most lethal weapon once again will be the quick counters led by the team’s attacking talent.