This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Many years ago, around the 70s and early 80s, it was said that Portuguese football was missing 20 meters — those where everything was decided: the areas, the goals, and the goals scored. Shots were missing, goals were missing, and talent for the last 20 meters was lacking. This was what happened early Sunday morning at the beautiful Azteca: shots and, above all, goals. It resembled a pre-season game, and there were even numerous substitutions… The starting eleven for Portugal was as expected. In fact, with two back-to-back games and no points at stake, any eleven would be expected, especially since Roberto Martínez and Javier Aguirre had the option to make 10 substitutions. Probably, against the United States, the defense will be Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio, and João Cancelo; the midfielders will be Vitinha, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes / Mateus Fernandes; and in attack, based on Roberto Martínez's past, perhaps Francisco Trincão, Gonçalo Guedes, and Pedro Neto. However, these calculations belonged to another rosary. Now, what interested us was the rosary called Mexico. And Mexico City, the mythical Azteca, and, no less important, the 2200 meters of altitude. Initially, only two key players in the starting eleven for Portugal for the main games of the 2026 World Cup: Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes. And Martínez opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with captain Bruno playing a few meters ahead of Rúben Neves and Samu Costa. Mexico came in with high pressure, as if midfielders and forwards transformed into a kind of very aggressive 'puppies' in search of the ball. Portugal, whether due to the effect of altitude or not, took some time to get into the game. There was immediately some tactical variability: Rúben Neves or Samu Costa would open up on the right or left to allow Matheus Nunes or Nuno Mendes to advance through the middle instead of the flanks. Even with Mexico's stronger entry, the first big opportunity was for Portugal, with João Félix making a lob ('sombrero', in this case) at 14', the ball just passing slightly over Raúl Rangel's goal. Shortly after, at 16', Samu Costa ran, ran, ran, and prevented Álvaro Fidalgo, launched from the left, from shooting. And the Mallorca midfielder celebrated (rightfully so) the clearance as if he had scored a goal. However, the game continued to see more of the ball from the Mexicans. More ball, yes; more aggression, too. But without the talent to create a sense of danger near Rui Silva. And again, unexpectedly, despite having balanced the game much more midway through the first half, Portugal was close to scoring again, with Francisco Conceição breaking in from the right at 26', passing the ball back to Bruno Fernandes, who, first touch, set it up on the left for Gonçalo Ramos, who shot near the left post. Approaching halftime, at 36', Israel Reyes shot for a tight save from Rui Silva, and minutes later, at 45', Samu did the same, well outside the area, with Raúl Rangel stopping the powerful shot. Halftime arrived, and it was a good thing it did, as, aside from two or three dangerous plays, monotony had set in, with Portugal and Mexico playing almost without focus on the goals. Without Vitinha and João Neves, transport and breakthrough midfielders, and with Rúben Neves and Samu Costa, more positional and less creative, Roberto Martínez saw little attacking power from his team. The biggest question at the end of the 45 minutes involved a number: how many substitutions would Roberto Martínez make for the second half? Give more time to the initial 11 or change a lot to avoid major fatigue? The coach made significant changes: João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Vitinha, João Neves, Pedro Neto, and Gonçalo Guedes came in for Nuno Mendes, Matheus Nunes, António Silva, Rúben Neves, Samu Costa, Francisco Conceição, and João Félix. Seven of the ten allowed substitutions occurred after the break. A revolution! Now, finally, upon returning from the locker rooms, many more predictable starters for the coming months: João Cancelo, Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Neto (although without Nuno Mendes). It was a different tune altogether. Greater and better ball circulation, more speed, and closer to the goal. The only negative mark at the start of the second half was the aggression of Pedro Neto and Jesús Gallardo in a play near the sideline. And both were very lucky (indeed very lucky) to have only seen a yellow card. Finally, at 64 minutes, the most awaited player by the Mexicans and perhaps even by the Portuguese entered: João Paulo Dias Fernandes. Paulinho, who showed his teeth and scored goals at Sporting, replaced Gonçalo Ramos. And the Azteca began to chant: Paulinho! Paulinho! Paulinho! Paulinho! Truly impressive the morale that the Toluca player has in Mexico. With the entry of the more skillful players, Portugal's play began to enchant a bit the thousands present at the Azteca. But it was short-lived. More ball, yes, but few dangerous balls, which is what matters most — or almost the only thing that matters. It allowed Roberto Martínez to better evaluate some players, including Samu Costa and Paulinho, but, to be fair, it felt like a pre-season game. And there were even numerous substitutions…
Javier Aguirre United States remains central to this story.
Javier Aguirre United States remains central to this story.
Read more in La Liga news. and related tags: Javier Aguirre, United States.