Portugal was certainly not considered one of the favourites ahead of Euro 2016.
However, you probably felt that a deep run by the Portuguese wouldn’t be a major surprise, right?
After all, Cristiano Ronaldo has the ability to throw his team on his shoulders and win matches on his own. Therefore, the fact that Portugal has made it all the way to the final is not altogether stunning, although the fashion in which they have done it certainly is.
Congratulations Portugal—you are the new grind-masters.
Here are my thoughts on Portugal’s 2-0 semifinal win over Wales on Wednesday.
• One narrative regarding Portugal at this tournament is that they are a very poor team that has been lucky with the draw and has overcome its sporadic offence to get this far. I prefer this narrative: Portugal is a well-organized, defensive powerhouse that is extremely difficult to break down.
• Iceland and Wales were celebrated by fans and pundits for their team-first ethic, their energy and their organization. It is only because of their history that Portugal weren’t likewise heralded.
• It does, of course, help to have Cristiano Ronaldo up front. It seems clear he is operating at 75 percent capacity, but that is still enough to be a match winner at the highest level.
• Is there a more underrated defender than Jose Fonte?
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• Aaron Ramsey’s absence was felt in many ways, not the least of which was that it meant Gareth Bale had to do too much for Wales. Bale was excellent, but without Ramsey’s runs through the middle Portugal had a relatively easy time of it defensively.
• Up next for Wales is World Cup qualifying, and a tough group that includes Austria, Serbia and Ireland. Remember: the group winner qualifies, while the second place team enters a playoff.
• I am licking my lips ahead of Germany vs. France. Germany has some high-profile absentees in Mats Hummels, Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira. But depth is everything and Germany has more depth than any other team, so they will be fine.
• I was kissed live on air today, a career first. By Sid Seixeiro!
Sportsnet’s Soccer Central podcast (featuring Thomas Dobby, Brendan Dunlop, John Molinaro and James Sharman) takes an in-depth look at the beautiful game and offers timely and thoughtful analysis on the sport’s biggest issues.