Portugal’s players have promised their fans that the goals will soon flow in their next match against Hungary.
In their first two opening matches, at Euro 2016, Portugal has had the more shots than any other team in the competition yet they got only one goal, two points and a likely early exit from the competition.
Also, they are arguably the most technically gifted of the 24 teams, and have managed 50 goal attempts in their two games, with 17 on target, 17 off target and 16 blocked shots.
Apart from the German national team, they are also the team that have enjoyed the most possession, at an average of 62 percent per game.
But they go into Wednesday’s last group match in an uncomfortable position hoping only a win over the unbeaten Hungarians will take them into the last 16 without depending on other matches.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of Portugal’s biggest culprits, missing an easy chance late in the 1-1 draw with Iceland and firing a penalty against the post late in the Austria match.
Portugal’s players have offered little insight into what is going wrong, saying merely that if they keep trying, the goals will start flowing eventually.
Nani told Reuters after the goalless draw against Austria on Sunday night, “We did everything well, but once again the ball didn’t go in….what can you say?”
“We can’t just keep making excuses about the ball not going in. We played well and we were superior to a very strong team. Our time will come, and that will be in the next game. We are going to be very lucky and all our shots will go in.”
Also, Midfielder, Adrien Silva shared the same optimism.
“We’re not even thinking of another draw, it’s not part of our mentality and would not demonstrate our quality.”
“We have to resolve this solution and win the last match in the group. I’m sure we will do it.
“The most important thing is to convert the chances we create, which hasn’t happened so far. But I’m sure things will change.”
For coach Fernando Santos, a more ruthless approach is required.
He noted, “Sometimes, I get the feeling that we are ashamed about being ugly, or not being pretty. If we have to be ugly and that brings us efficiency, we have to be ugly.”
“I’m ugly by nature and I don’t mind being even uglier.”
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