The 'Old' 20 Yards Missing at 2,200 Meters Altitude (Match Report)

For many years, back in the 70s and early 80s, Portuguese football was often criticized for lacking the final 20 yards – the crucial area where games are decided: the penalty boxes, the goals, and the scoring touch. There was a perceived shortage of shots, goals, and attacking flair in those decisive moments. This sentiment echoed in the early hours of Sunday at the magnificent Azteca Stadium, where shots and, more importantly, goals were conspicuously absent. The match felt more like a pre-season friendly, complete with numerous substitutions.

Portugal's starting XI was largely as expected. In truth, with two back-to-back matches and no points at stake, any lineup would have been anticipated, especially since Roberto Martínez and Javier Aguirre had the luxury of making up to 10 substitutions. Looking ahead to the USA match, the defense will likely feature Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio, and João Cancelo. The midfield could see Vitinha, João Neves, and Bruno Fernandes/Mateus Fernandes, while based on Roberto Martínez's past selections, the attack might include Francisco Trincão, Gonçalo Guedes, and Pedro Neto.

However, those considerations were for another day. Our immediate focus was on Mexico City, the legendary Azteca, and, crucially, the 2,200-meter altitude. Portugal's starting lineup for this match featured only two players who are likely regulars for the main 2026 World Cup games: Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes. Martínez opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with captain Bruno playing a few yards ahead of Rúben Neves and Samu Costa.

Mexico started with an incredibly high press, with their midfielders and forwards transforming into aggressive 'terriers' relentlessly hunting the ball. Portugal, whether due to the altitude or not, took some time to settle into the game. Tactical variations were immediately noticeable: Rúben Neves or Samu Costa would drift wide to allow Matheus Nunes or Nuno Mendes to push forward through the middle rather than down the flanks.

Despite Mexico's stronger start, Portugal created the first significant chance in the 14th minute, with João Félix attempting a chip (a 'sombrero' in this context) that sailed just over Raúl Rangel's goal. Moments later, in the 16th minute, Samu Costa made a tireless run to deny Álvaro Fidalgo, who was breaking through on the left, a clear shot. The Mallorca midfielder celebrated the crucial block as if he had scored a goal himself.

Nevertheless, Mexico continued to dominate possession. More possession, yes; more aggression, too. But they lacked the creative spark to genuinely threaten Rui Silva's goal. Unexpectedly, despite having largely balanced the game by the midway point of the first half, Portugal once again came close to scoring. In the 26th minute, Francisco Conceição drove in from the right, laid the ball back to Bruno Fernandes, who, with a first-time pass, found Gonçalo Ramos on the left. Ramos's shot narrowly missed the left post. As halftime approached, Israel Reyes forced a tight save from Rui Silva in the 36th minute, and minutes later, in the 45th, Samu Costa unleashed a powerful long-range effort that Raúl Rangel parried away.

Halftime arrived, and it was a welcome break. Aside from two or three moments of danger, monotony had set in, with both Portugal and Mexico playing with little focus on goal. Without the dynamic and incisive midfielders Vitinha and João Neves, and with the more positional and less creative Rúben Neves and Samu Costa, Roberto Martínez saw limited attacking prowess from his national team.

The biggest question at the end of the first 45 minutes revolved around a number: how many substitutions would Roberto Martínez make for the second half? Would he give the initial XI more time, or make significant changes to avoid excessive fatigue?

The coach made extensive changes: João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Vitinha, João Neves, Pedro Neto, and Gonçalo Guedes came on for Nuno Mendes, Matheus Nunes, António Silva, Rúben Neves, Samu Costa, Francisco Conceição, and João Félix. Seven of the ten permitted substitutions were made after the break. A complete revolution!

Finally, upon returning from the dressing rooms, many more likely starters for the coming months were on the pitch: João Cancelo, Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, and Pedro Neto (though Nuno Mendes was no longer present). The game immediately took on a different rhythm. Ball circulation was better and faster, and they were closer to scoring. The only negative blot on the start of the second half was the aggressive clash between Pedro Neto and Jesús Gallardo near the touchline. Both were incredibly fortunate to only receive yellow cards.

Finally, in the 64th minute, the moment many Mexicans, and perhaps even Portuguese, had been waiting for arrived: João Paulo Dias Fernandes, or Paulinho. The Paulinho who, at Sporting, showed his teeth and scored goals, replaced Gonçalo Ramos. And the Azteca erupted with chants: "Paulinho! Paulinho! Paulinho! Paulinho!" The morale boost the Toluca player provides in Mexico is truly impressive.

With the introduction of more skillful players, Portugal's play briefly captivated the thousands present at the Azteca. But it was short-lived. More possession, yes, but few dangerous chances, which is what matters most – or almost the only thing that matters. It allowed Roberto Martínez to better assess some players, including Samu Costa and Paulinho, but, to be fair, it largely resembled a pre-season friendly. And indeed, there was no shortage of substitutions.