Portugal national team can not repeat mistakes in the match 16 major World Cup 2018. (Photo: REUTERS / Murad Serez)
Portugal national team managed to escape from the group stage B World Cup 2018 with runner-up status. Now the studying time for Portugal is over because they will face tough exams.
Portugal ended the game against Iran with a score of 1-1. That result left Portugal collecting five points as they won one victory and two draws in the preliminary round.
Portugal threw away the chances of winning the group and was almost knocked out in the preliminary round at the end of the game. If only Mehdi Taremi's kick hit the target in injury time to meet the target, then Ronaldo and his friends will come home sooner.
Portugal's appearance in the group phase is fairly mediocre. In the first game, the glory of Cristiano Ronaldo able to bring Portugal hold 3-3 draw Spain. In the second game, Portugal also had to wait for Ronaldo's help to finish the game with a 1-0 win.
In the match against Iran, Ronaldo got a tight escort from Iranian players. Carlos Quieroz successfully concocted a strategy that could reduce Ronaldo's explosive power. Almost throughout the game, Ronaldo did not have a golden opportunity in open game to score.
Iran is able to trouble Portugal during the game. (Photo: REUTERS / Lucy Nicholson)
The best chance Ronaldo scored was through the penalty spot in the 53rd minute. But Ronaldo failed to finish his job well. Ronaldo's frustration in the game could be described as he followed Iranian forward Morteza Pouraliganji in the 81st minute.
If only Taremi shot on target, then Ronaldo is now a target of criticism and insults for not being able to help Portugal qualify for the second round.
Portugal Need Variation Attack
Seeing Portugal's performance against Iran, Ronaldo-centric still felt in the stronghold of Portugal. Many of Portugal's attacks are always focused towards Ronaldo.
As the best player in the world, it is natural that Ronaldo always be relied upon to be an attack motor. But when the flow of the game does not go according to plan, Portugal needs an alternative strategy.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not get much room in the game against Iran. (Photo: REUTERS / Lucy Nicholson)
Ricardo Quaresma has shown how to score without the help of Cristiano Ronaldo. This kind of confidence should be owned by other players in Portugal.
If the Portuguese players can move with confidence, then the Portuguese opponent will be more difficult to put focus on Ronaldo. They are forced to be wary of the movements of other players and thus, Ronaldo will automatically get more space than before.
Diego Godin Know Ronaldo
The duel of the last 16 will be a tough run for Portugal. They will face Uruguay who have quality team material. At the back, Uruguay was led by Diego Godin.
Godin managed to lead his colleagues impressive in three matches preliminary round. Uruguay able to pass through three games without even conceding.
Not until there, Godin knew Ronaldo well. As Atletico Madrid defender, Godin has often met and knows the character of Ronaldo's game.
Portugal's back line should not repeat mistakes against Uruguay. (Photo: REUTERS / Lucy Nicholson)
In addition to the danger that threatened in the back line, Uruguay's main danger is clearly their front line. Luis Suarez is the world's top striker, so is Edinson Cavani.
The presence of one of the two players that had become a nightmare for the back line, especially when the two players are collaborating. Suarez has so far shown clever games, including when he scored with a free kick into the Russian goal.
Cavani may not have shown his best performance in the preliminary round, but he is a threat to watch out for by Portugal's back line.
Portugal will probably regret their failure to secure the status of group B champions, but it is clear at this time the study time for Portugal is over. Portugal will face a more fierce duel in the last 16.
