Portugal 4-0 Israel: 5 Talking Points as European champions cruise to thumping victory | International Friendlies 2021

Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal ahead of Euro 2020
Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal ahead of Euro 2020

#3 Manor Solomon grabs attention with eye-catching display for Israel

Israel can take positives from Manor Solomon's impressive display against Por
Israel can take positives from Manor Solomon's impressive display against Portugal

Portugal thoroughly dominated the game over the course of the 90 minutes and romped to a routine victory, but Manor Solomon can take heart from his performance against a star-studded side. The Shakhtar Donetsk attacker almost single-handedly carried his side forward with his pace and strength on the ball, while his dribbling ability also came to the fore in the first half.

Solomon made the headlines in the 2020-21 season with two stunning displays against Real Madrid, as he scored home and away against the record European champions to give his side two much-needed victories in the UEFA Champions League group stages.

The 21-year-old once again delivered an eye-catching display against a top side and could well earn himself a big move this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal reportedly keeping tabs on him.


#2 Portugal are blessed with enviable full-back depth

Joao Cancelo was one of the best players on the pitch for Portugal
Joao Cancelo was one of the best players on the pitch for Portugal

Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo were stationed as full backs on either side of Pepe and Ruben Dias, as Fernando Santos opted to give game time to most of his players.

Cancelo stole the show with a fantastic display and made defining contributions at both ends of the pitch. The Manchester City man cleverly teed up Bruno Fernandes for the opening goal of the game and defended resolutely in the first half, indicating that he could retain his place over Nelson Semedo. His crowning moment, however, came late in the game, as he scored a stunning goal with his weaker foot to cap off a fine display.

Mendes, on the other hand, turned heads with his industry and crossing ability on the left flank. Santos is likely to stick with Raphael Guerreiro at left-back, but the Sporting CP star is one of the most exciting players in the world in his position and will look to make an impact in the games ahead.


#1 Portugal's front 4 could be a force to be reckoned with at Euro 2020

Portugal's attacking stars showed their class with an impressive display
Portugal's attacking stars showed their class with an impressive display

While the focus will undoubtedly be on Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal captain is blessed with an outstanding supporting cast to share the burden. Diogo Jota and Bernardo started either side of Ronaldo, while Bruno Fernandes joined the attack from an advanced midfield position to complete what looked like an impressive front four.

The reigning European champions created a flurry of chances in the first half and scored two well-worked goals just before the interval, with their attackers playing starring roles in the build-up as well.

Fernando Santos also has a handful of fantastic options to call upon from the bench, with the likes of Andre Silva, Joao Felix, Pedro Goncalves and Goncalo Guedes raring to go if the opportunity were to arise. For the opening game against Hungary, though, the experienced manager is unlikely to make changes to Portugal's attacking armory.


Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020

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