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Defending champions Portugal crashed out of Euro 2020 after a narrow defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16. Thorgan Hazard’s wonder strike just before half-time was enough for the Red Devils to progress to the quarter-finals, where they will play Italy.
Touted as one of the tournament favourites, Portugal, with their star-studded line-up, largely struggled to get going at Euro 2020. Their only win in four games in the tournament came against Hungary.
Just like in 2016, Portugal scraped through to the knockout rounds as one of the four best third-placed teams at Euro 2020. But this time, their campaign was cut short by an excellent Belgium team who kept the reigning champions at bay.
Apart from a few players, most of Portugal's big-name stars performed way below their expected levels. On that note, let's have a look at five Portugal players who disappointed the most at Euro 2020.
#5 Danilo Pereira
Danilo Pereira might not be the biggest name in the game, but he was a vital cog in Portugal’s midfield leading up to the Euros. The 29-year-old defensive midfielder, who plies his trade at Paris Saint-Germain, was expected to be a solid figure in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the backline.
However, Pereira largely underwhelmed in the tournament, with his worst performance coming against Germany. Die Mannschaft's midfield completely outclassed their Portuguese counterparts, with Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller afforded time and space to initiate attacks.
Due to his unsatisfactory performances, Pereira was dropped from Portugal's starting line-up in the subsequent games, with Fernando Santos preferring Joao Paulinha instead.
#4 Ruben Dias
The Premier League Player of the Year has had a shocker of a campaign at Euro 2020. Rock-solid all season for Manchester City, Dias was expected to flourish for Portugal in the company of Pepe in defence.
But with the holders conceding seven goals in four matches, it is safe to say that Dias was a shadow of his usual illustrious self. He even scored the own goal that started Germany’s fightback on 19 June.
Moreover, in the game against Belgium, Dias was easily bullied by Romelu Lukaku in the build-up to Hazard’s goal. Dias also headed straight to Courtois in the latter stages of the match, in what was one of Portugal’s best chances to restore parity on the night.
#3 Bernardo Silva
It was time for Portugal's Bernardo Silva to shine at Euro 2020 after yet another solid domestic season with Manchester City.
However, the 26-year-old, touted to lead the new generation of Portuguese talents, failed to make an impact at the tournament. He was substituted in every match, with Fernando Santos relying on others to deliver the goods.
Although he was named the Player of the Tournament in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, Silva failed to get going at Euro 2020 under the pressure of expectations.
#2 Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota was a revelation for Liverpool in the 2020-21 season. After arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jota exceeded expectations at Liverpool. He scored key goals, and his all-round play impressed Jurgen Klopp so much so that Sadio Mane had to be dropped from the XI to accommodate Jota.
However, with only a solitary goal at Euro 2020, Jota miserably failed to live up to his billing. He also missed some big chances in the tournament, which eventually proved costly as Portugal crashed out.
Moreover, a great deal was expected of his attacking partnership with Ronaldo, but Jota struggled to strike up any sort of chemistry with his more illustrious compatriot.
#1 Bruno Fernandes
The Manchester United talisman was the biggest flop for Portugal at Euro 2020. Bruno Fernandes’ tally of 18 goals and 12 assists in the 2020-21 Premier League spoke for itself, but he could not transfer his domestic form to the Euros.
Fernandes failed to register a single-goal contribution in the tournament and was even excluded from the starting line-up in the last two matches.
Renato Sanchez, who replaced Fernandes, was one of Portugal’s best performers in the tournament and provided the only shining light in midfield. Fernandes’ spot in the team is now up in the air after a series of underwhelming performances for the deposed champions.
Also Check Out: Portugal's Next Matches
