Portugal's squad is fresher but has not cured old ailments

Since taking charge of the Portuguese national team, Roberto Martinez has breathed new life into the team through innovative tactics. Notably, the Spanish strategist also made some novel changes in the match against the Czech Republic.

The "European Selecao" captain deployed three full-backs in the starting lineup, two strikers with one on the left wing, with Joao Cancelo given freedom and able to move into the half-space positions as a "number 10". Bruno Fernandes took on the role of defensive midfielder and six strikers were on the field when the match ended.

Another typical example is Nuno Mendes playing in the center-back position instead of his usual left-back position. Roberto Martinez's biggest mark came in the final minutes of injury time. Francisco Conceicao - who entered the field in the 90th minute, scored the decisive goal to make it 2-1, helping the "European Selecao" win the first 3 points.

All this shows that Portugal under Martinez is a team full of surprises. Martinez is bringing more faces to the team than his predecessor Fernando Santos.

Portugal dominates all parameters compared to the Czech Republic. Photo: Opta Analyst

However, Roberto Martinez's biggest problem is that he has not been able to determine the optimal squad. Notably, in the friendly matches before EURO 2024, the Spanish strategist has tested a series of different formations and personnel.

Strength in depth is obviously a good thing, especially when injuries and suspensions can crop up at any time. However, with only two players missing this tournament (defender Raphael Guerreiro and midfielder Otavio), Roberto Martinez seems well placed to create a cohesive squad and a consistent winning formula.

The game against the Czech Republic looked complicated for Portugal at first glance, with Mendes playing as a left-sided centre-back but drifting out wide, and Cancelo in a new role but not really effective.

“We wanted Joao Cancelo to play in a horizontal line. The coaching staff wanted someone who could play creatively alongside Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha.

For Nuno Mendes, we wanted him to be able to go high and occupy space with Rafael Leao. All the parameters on Portugal were more dominant: ball possession, shots on target and goals. Tactically, it was a very good match" - Roberto Martinez shared.

However, Portugal relied on a lucky own goal to equalize and then defensive errors to score the winner in injury time. Clearly, Martinez and his students still could not have a convincing performance.

Joao Cancelo's position was clearly out of place in the match against the Czech Republic. Photo: AFP — Joao Cancelo's position was not suitable in the match against the Czech Republic. Photo: AFP

Not only was Cancelo misplaced, Bruno Fernandes was perhaps out of place too. The Manchester United star brought excitement to Portugal in qualifying with six goals and eight assists in a central midfield role, often playing in front of Joao Palhinha. However, Bruno became Portugal’s deepest midfielder against the Czech Republic.

Bruno Fernandes' touches against the Czech Republic. Photo: Opta Analyst

Roberto Martinez may have been the surprise package for Portugal but his tactical decisions have left the team inconsistent at times.

The mix of crazy ideas and outstanding talent could be a double-edged sword for Portugal's journey to EURO 2024. Perhaps only time will tell whether his strategy will actually bring success. In particular, the upcoming match against Türkiye will be a tougher test for Roberto Martinez's team.

Source: https://laodong.vn/bong-da-quoc-te/doi-tuyen-bo-dao-nha-da-tuoi-moi-hon-nhung-chua-chua-duoc-cac-can-benh-cu-1355227.ldo