Analysis, feature pieces

World Cup 2022: Portugal’s Fernando Santos is ninth manager to part ways post-tournament

Head coach Fernando Santos of Portugal gestures during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal at Al Thumama...

After Morocco stunned them in the World Cup quarter-finals, the Portuguese federation (FPF) yesterday announced their decision to part ways with head coach Fernando Santos, whose deal ran until 2024. The 68-year-old, who guided them to their first-ever senior international title back at Euro 2016, also led A Seleção to the UEFA Nations League title three years later. Continue reading “World Cup 2022: Portugal’s Fernando Santos is ninth manager to part ways post-tournament”

Match coverage

Portugal 6-1 Switzerland: Ramos’ hat-trick justifies Santos’ selection in statement thrashing

Goncalo Ramos of Portugal celebrate the 5-1 during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium...

The pre-match noise surrounded Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s benching by Fernando Santos. Within 20 minutes, the man who replaced him – Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos – scored a thunderous opener and later completed the tournament’s first hat-trick as they thrashed Switzerland without their historical talisman. Up next? Spain’s slayers Morocco on Saturday.
Continue reading “Portugal 6-1 Switzerland: Ramos’ hat-trick justifies Santos’ selection in statement thrashing”

Archives

Nations League – Portugal 4-1 Croatia: Player Ratings as Santos’ side cruise to victory

Wolves' Diogo Jota netted his first Portugal goal before Felix made it three with 20 minutes to play

Goals from Joao Cancelo, Diogo Jota, Joao Felix and Andre Silva in stoppage-time sealed an impressive 4-1 victory for Nations League winners Portugal – but they could have easily put Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia to the sword by half-time. Which individual players impressed while others struggled in Porto? Continue reading “Nations League – Portugal 4-1 Croatia: Player Ratings as Santos’ side cruise to victory”

Archives

Portugal 1-0 Netherlands: 5 Hits and Flops

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the Nations League trophy aloft after their 1-0 win over Holland

Here’s a look at five hits and flops after Portugal’s slender 1-0 win against the Netherlands saw them lift the inaugural Nations League trophy in Porto overnight..

Continue reading “Portugal 1-0 Netherlands: 5 Hits and Flops”