What emotions!
Yesterday was a long and emotional day!

France secured an unconvincing victory against a Belgian team that never really found its footing in this European Championship. As I’ve been saying, this French team is very hybrid, even very confusing in its approach to games, and not very brilliant. For the French, the how doesn’t matter, only moving forward. 

The final result.

Seeing Deschamps’ smiles at the end of the game, one would think that France played very well, dominated Belgium, and that the goal was just a confirmation of that power.
But couldn’t be further from the reality.

France remains unconvincing, with inconsistent performances and not demonstrating the strength of its players. 

And it probably has the best squad in this tournament. 

And Mbappe?

Portugal, on the other hand, was true to itself in this competition. 

I would say, just like its Coach. I

nconsistent, chameleon-like, with unclear decisions. 

Diogo Costa saved the day, and very well! 

Yes, the pitch wasn’t good, that’s a fact. 

But that cannot, and should not, explain everything.

The first half even showed a Portugal with some opportunities, good initiatives on both flanks, with dynamics between Cancelo and Bernardo or Nuno Mendes and Leāo, either inside or outside, providing many interesting solutions and variability. Additionally, when it became more difficult to progress through the flanks, often Bruno and Ronaldo (more) and Vitinha (less) helped in these dynamics on the flanks.

Much less inside play, without a doubt. 

A lot of circulation in a “U” shape and little central penetration. 

And this is a characteristic that makes us more predictable for the future.

The problems come afterward. 

Many substitutions have made sense so far. 

But at this stage, between pride, status, and performance, the substitutions make little sense.

In fact, I raised these doubts in the choice of the starting 11 against the Czech Republic and then against Georgia, in the Preparatory Games. From Roberto Martinez, we have already understood some things, at least: poor communication and constant indecisions. 

Or I would say inconsistent decisions. 

I don’t know! 

I don’t understand.

I give here some examples of things I don’t understand: 

• If Nuno Mendes is a physical powerhouse, with very good offensive capability, why put Nuno as a Central Defender? Even in a line of three.
• If Francisco Conceiçāo’s greatest weapon is his dribbling and 1v1 moments, especially on the right flank, which allows him to find interior spaces, why place him on the left side? 
• And then, after so much loss of offensive capability, having to make changes all across the line, putting Jota on the left, Bernardo close to Ronaldo, and Conceiçāo (finally) on the right? Was it so difficult to understand the consequences of this decision?
• Moreover, why remove Vitinha, arguably the best player on the field for Portugal until then? Less status than the others? 
• On the other hand, I remind (the more forgetful) that we have options on the bench that play for Barcelona, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Sporting, among others from the best European Leagues. Can they not contribute? Or is it now that we are worried about the relationships and routines between players? Or do we return to the narrative that it was important for Pepe (close to make it), Bernardo, Bruno, and Ronaldo to play 120 minutes? 
• Speaking of systems and dynamics, wouldn’t it make more sense, against teams that play with two forwards, to ensure numerical advantage and play with three Central Defenders? Or is the solution of placing Palhinha between the central defenders, which can make sense, covered in second balls? The ones that caused so much uproar in the (few) offensive situations of Slovenia? 
• Furthermore, considering that we play with Nuno Mendes and Cancelo, who both like to advance up the field whether to attack or even in pressing moments, even when the game does not demand or advise it, wouldn’t it make more sense to ensure one more element in the defensive line protection? Especially considering that of the two elements, Pepe (as incredible and important as he is, attention) no longer has that ability to gain meters on the opposing forwards?

Anyway, there are (always) many doubts about what is worked on and how it is worked on.

I recognize, however, that the reaction to losing possession, the Defensive Transition moment, has been very well done! And this is one of the moments that generated the most doubts for me. Well done here!

In any case, Portugal has its chances against an equally inconsistent France.
However, I expect a boring game.
Unfortunately.
And that Mbappe remains dormant in his new mask!

Regarding today’s games, I’m very curious to follow and see what the Netherlands and Austria can bring to this Competition.
My bets naturally go to:

• Romania vs Netherlands

Winner: Netherlands.

• Austria vs Turkey

Winner: Austria.

Let the games begin!