3) They played defensive football most of the time
All football teams are quite within their rights to have typical tactics that they are recognised by. Ordinarily and ideally, a wholesome growth of a team in all departments should be encouraged but this does not seem to be the scenario in case of Portugal.
The manager of the team and some key players have gone on record to admit that they would not be changing their style of play simply due to the fact that it gets them the required results. Reiterating the fact that this is in no way wrong, it is just a bit unsportsmanlike.
Barring their match against Hungary which resulted in a 3-3 draw, their defence has been so strong that in the match against Croatia, neither team registered a single shot on or off target till extra time. Croatia did not manage a shot on target even during that period.
On the other hand, Wales registered only three shots on target in 120 minutes. This cumulative absence of attacking with a focus only on defence may have gotten the team the desired results but it reeks of a wide disbalance within the ranks of the team.
France did well against Portugal in the final, especially during the first 10 minutes of the game where they looked just about ready to win it for sure. Again, Portugal managed to find their ground and attacked at one of the few vulnerable moments displayed by the hosts. It is commendable that Portugal is good at what they do but is that enough justification for a win when other teams have done much more?
