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#3 Portugal incessantly knock at the Dutch door and break it down
Portugal started off the game slightly cautiously as they allowed their visitors to get hold of the ball early and control the tempo. However, after the initial phase had passed, they got onto the front foot and rarely looked back.
As the clock ticked by, the hosts started to play out from the back with conviction and the above allowed their creative midfielders to get into the game. After the first quarter of the match, Bruno morphed into a constant attacking threat while Bernardo was also accorded more time and space on the right flank.
Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guedes’ movement up top caused the Dutch defence all sorts of problems.
Inevitably, the front four combined to put the away side under the cosh with a string of offensive moves. On many an occasion, one of the wingers found themselves running into space after a neat one-two.
However, despite the pressure they piled upon the Oranje, they were unable to conjure an adequate end product. Yet, the Portuguese stuck to their attacking guns and ensured they kept their foot on the visitors’ throat throughout.
The home side were ultimately rewarded for their endeavours in the 60th minute when Guedes’ low drive found its way past Cillessen.
After the goal went in, the Portuguese were understandably a little more circumspect. But, they resisted the temptation of retreating into their shell and instead proved to be a menace on the counter attack.
Over the past couple of years, Portugal has often been criticised for being a little too pragmatic despite boasting several talented ball-players. While the said observation has been apt on some days, on most others, it has just been an exaggeration.
And while their victory in the UEFA Nations League final would not be remembered as one of the great European performances, they certainly ensured that the theory of them being too defensive on the big stage was only a myth and not the truth.
