'A discreet threat' - Portuguese media issue verdicts on Chelsea and Tottenham stars after dramatic win
Chelsea and Tottenham stars were in action for Portugal for a big away win on Tuesday night.
Portugal pulled off a dramatic away win over Hungary on Tuesday night, and there were Chelsea and Tottenham stars in action. Roberto Martinez’s men won 3-2 thanks to a Joao Cancelo goal in the 86th minute two minutes after Barnabas Varga scored a late equaliser.
The win means Portugal have won both of their first two games, and they are already three points ahead of Armenia, who beat Ireland, and five points ahead of both Hungary and Ireland.
Chelsea star Neto started the game, as he usually does, and he played 79 minutes, earning a rating of a 7/10 from A Bola. They reasoned: “Very assertive on the left. He knew how to connect with Nuno Mendes, giving him space when the full-back/winger was coming down low or supporting him for one-twos in more elaborate plays. He earns his place in Martínez's starting lineup, and it's understandable why: great competitive intensity, concentration, clarity, and objectivity, all without exuberance, ingredients that help create a discreet threat to opposing defenses.”
Neto was actually replaced at the same time as Tottenham’s summer signing Joao Palhinha entered the game, and the midfielder earned a respectable six for his 11 minutes or so on the pitch.
The report added: “He was a breath of fresh air for the Portuguese midfield. While the team suffered a draw with him on the field, they also won, and Palhinha was crucial, especially due to the aggressiveness he had to impose in the final stretch.”
Martinez praise
Speaking after the game, Portugal boss Martinez told reporters: “Every game is different, but we found the solutions that I think are important. Hungary have a very good counter-attack, we defended very well in general, we controlled the game.
"It's a perfect game to improve and adjust aspects. Overall, the focus was incredible. The players who came in helped, they made the difference. We showed an incredible personality. When we conceded a goal against Germany [in the Nations League in June], we changed the mentality. Now we can suffer and we believe in what we can do. It happened with Spain too. We have a resilience that is very important to build on in the rest of the game."
Portugal star Bernardo Silva said: "It was a game with a lot of transitions. At times, we should have calmed down the pace of the game more, not let them run and not let it be such a direct game. We are also a team with fast, intense players, who can also play this type of game. We are very happy. We are on the way to qualify for the World Cup."