Portugal is full of confidence in the face of Israel

This Wednesday, Portugal played its second and last preparation match before the start of the Euro. After his 0-0 draw against Spain, and after fearing to be also affected by the Covid (with the announcement of positive cases in the Spanish selection), Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates hoped to be reassured and make the full of confidence in Israel. For this meeting, Fernando Santos lined up what strongly resembled a typical team. CR7 led the attack with Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota. Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves were lined up in the midfield. As for the Israeli team, coach Willi Ruttensteiner was betting on a team young enough to try to play a bad trick on the Portuguese.

Unsurprisingly, from the start of the meeting, Portugal were very enterprising. Cristiano Ronaldo lit the first match after less than a minute of play. The five-time Ballon d’Or was as often very enterprising on the front of the attack. But he wasn’t the only one. Bruno Fernandes, who had not participated in the match against Spain, was also well inspired. He was not far from being decisive by delivering a good cross on the head of Diogo Jota (9th) or by resuming with a good end an opening from Neves (15th). By dint of pushing, the Manchester United midfielder found the loophole. He took over from the penalty spot an excellent cross from João Cancelo (1-0, 42nd). A goal that would lead to another in stride. And who other than CR7 to achieve its goal. The Serie A top scorer unleashed a powerful strike that the Israeli goalkeeper could not repel (2-0, 44 ‘).

Offensive animation rediscovered

This goal sank a little more the heads of the Israelis who did not manage to take out the leather. Forwards Zahavi and Kinda were hitting very few balls. The only offensives were well managed by Pepe and Ruben Dias. What to give confidence to the Portuguese team which continued to unfold its game. Bernardo Silva always distilled more good balls to Ronaldo, Jota and others. William Carvalho, lined up as a sentry this evening, won all the aerial duels. In short, an ideal physiognomy. As the match progressed, the spaces multiplied and Joao Cancelo also took the opportunity to bring danger in front. His ever more precise crosses (63rd, 72nd) posed a great deal of concern for Marciano, the Israeli goalkeeper. And the side ended up scoring (3-0, 86th).

Ultra domineering, Portugal once again found the fault. Bruno Fernandes came to reward his very serious match by scoring a double (4-0, 90th + 1). Fernando Santos also decided to change his entire line of attack with the entries of Guedes, André Silva and Goncalves. As if to illustrate the offensive strength of his team. The score will not move any more despite these entries. Portugal wins quietly against Israel (3-0). A victory in control which gives confidence before the start of the Euro. In the group of France, the teammates of Fernando Santos will certainly be taken seriously.