A Sad Fate

1 "We have some of the best players in the world, playing for the best teams in the world, but… we lack a cohesive team." This was the opening line of my last column after the match against Colombia, at the end of the group stage, and it perfectly encapsulates Portugal's World Cup campaign.

What's most frustrating is looking at the other teams in the semi-finals. With the exception of France—clearly superior to all others—Portugal's squad is not only on par but capable of surpassing the teams vying for the title. Looking at each position, for instance, does Argentina have better players and better solutions than Portugal? No, they don't. But they have a collective spirit, ambition, a winning habit, and they impose upon themselves the obligation to always fight for victory.

That, I believe, is the main difference. Portugal needs a winning mentality. To step onto the field knowing they have a duty to compete in the championships they're involved in. For their players to feel that empowerment. This is achieved through victories. I recall Spain being a team that could always win but never quite got there, until they did. Once World Champions and four-time European Champions, they changed the 'Danone effect' in Spain, and now, with one of their weakest squads in the last two decades, they're in the World Cup semi-finals.

2 We weren't fortunate with Roberto Martínez. A very pleasant and polite gentleman, but lacking in capability and courage. Lacking the tactical insight to see Ronaldo's clear underperformance, evident to everyone, yet insisting on playing with wingers, which further exposed our offensive weakness.

He lacked the courage to obviously bench Cristiano Ronaldo, or Bruno Fernandes, or whoever it might be, whenever their performance didn't warrant keeping them on the field. The Portuguese National Team owes an immense debt to Cristiano Ronaldo; indeed, the country owes him a great deal. For his dedication to the national team and his patriotic devotion. An example of persistence and overcoming challenges.

But in a competition of this nature, it's not gratitude that guides decisions, but results. Naturally, Ronaldo always wanted to play; he trains every day, at 41, to be physically at the highest level. It wasn't his place to see what was evident to everyone else. Above all, I believe Cristiano Ronaldo himself didn't deserve a coach who never had the courage to help him see the best way to assist the national team, which was also the best way to help himself.

All our athletes, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Ricardo Velho, were primarily interested in having a campaign that honored them; it was clear they gave their all to help their country. For those who sometimes don't grasp the importance of a coach in organizing a football team, here, perhaps, is the best example.

3 The World Cup with the most teams ever concludes with the usual suspects. Brazil, Germany, and Italy are missing, but those expected to be there are. From what I've seen, France is overwhelming, due to their physical prowess, their dazzling attacking technique, and how they manage to transform a group of great players into a team. It would be a surprise if they don't win. I loved watching Norway and everything they brought to the World Cup. But as a supporter of the Treaty of Tagilde, I'm rooting for the 'Old Albion' to find happiness again, 60 years later.