The 'Portugal' Exercise

This is my take—and everyone will have their own—on what Portugal's starting XI should look like for the World Cup. You'll be hard-pressed to find any bias stemming from gratitude, fairness, status, or club affiliation. This squad is built from Roberto Martínez's call-ups, as there's no other option now, and it aims to address recurring, unresolved issues that have plagued the national team during the Spaniard's tenure. And, mind you, I always remember that there are multiple paths to success and often several solutions for the same problem.

The starting point isn't in goal, as there's currently no one close to Diogo Costa's level, though I believe the FC Porto goalkeeper needs to work on his body language, which sometimes conveys insecurity. How many goals did Schmeichel, Kahn, and Buffon save thanks to the menacing aura they exuded when challenging for the ball? Grit your teeth, kid!

I'll start precisely with the number 9, because this is where, for a long time, one of the biggest obstacles to collective growth has resided. If Martínez hasn't done it until now, he's even less likely to do it now, whether for the sake of team stability, the core group, or simply due to a lack of courage. However, not removing Cristiano Ronaldo from the equation impacts the entire team, from defense to attack.

With the captain as the central striker, and due to the need to foster something he's not a specialist in, like frontal support, the collective interior play—in which we have players from two-time champions PSG and Manchester City—weakens. This, in parallel, necessitates players feeding him from the flanks: wingers. In theory, Pedro Neto on the right and Rafael Leão on the left, with support from full-backs Cancelo (or Dalot) and Nuno Mendes (or Cancelo) attacking the half-space between full-back and center-back. Whether direct or after overlaps, the objective is then to cross to Ronaldo, who, for now, is often neutralized. Or has shown a blatant decrease in finishing quality.

Despite this, CR7 remains highly focused on scoring. Most of the time, he positions himself for the conclusion of plays. The majority of his movements are self-centered, not aimed at creating space for teammates.

Furthermore, without the ball, Ronaldo doesn't press. He'll press even less in the North American heat. And the few attempts he does make have been out of sync with the rest of the team.

Gonçalo Ramos isn't in his best form, either mentally or technically. But he still offers better link-up play with other sectors and a Portugal defending with 11. Guedes possesses an explosive capacity, mobility, and finishing ability that shouldn't be underestimated, and he also enjoys disrupting opponents' build-up play. And João Félix himself could be a false 9, given his ability to play with his back to goal and his intelligence in attacking space, even if he lacks defensively. In truth, all of these seem like better solutions.

Vitinha and João Neves are non-negotiable. They are inseparable, and only a madman would try to separate them. The question lies with the third element. Bruno Fernandes is the strongest candidate, but Bernardo Silva makes more sense. A Bernardo with the freedom to push further forward, joining Bruno Fernandes there, but who, unlike the Manchester United midfielder, speaks the same language as the Parisian duo. A Bernardo who accelerates at the right moment and isn't always trying to accelerate.

There's a fear that Martínez might see the need for a defensive midfielder here, like Rúben Neves or Samú, sacrificing João Neves. Or Bernardo. Courage is needed to resist.

To most readers, this might sound like tactical jargon, but it's much more than that. Of course, there are set pieces, errors, long-range shots, and individual plays, but this is where imbalances are created.

If Portugal can press the half-spaces between the full-back and center-back, and between the center-backs, the opponent has to react to avoid a 1v1. Most likely, the full-backs will tuck inside, opening up the flanks. That's where Cancelo and Nuno Mendes come in, with all their quality. And with area presence ensured by three or four players, and if the rest of the players respect the collective push forward, with players at the edge of the box.

If the opponent doesn't condense their block, the space to exploit will be inside.

Of course, this image is static. There are dynamics. Mobility.

If Bruno Fernandes is non-negotiable as a false-winger and we've already discussed the number 9, we still need to find the man for the false-left. And there's no better candidate than João Félix. Due to his current form, but also his profile, he can function as a second striker in the box and also dictate play with passes and incisive runs like no one else.

Bernardo will often be in this area, potentially creating his own dynamic with Bruno Fernandes.

There will also be little doubt about the starting full-backs. Cancelo and Nuno Mendes are almost universally favored. If they are physically fit, they are far ahead of everyone else, and among the best on the planet.

Rúben Dias, after a physically challenging season, will be the sheriff, and we'll need to find his deputy. Inácio is the best at building play, however, he once again proved weak in physical duels. Veiga seemed more solid defensively and more limited in his passing. Tomás Araújo has the same problem as the Sporting player and the same versatility in build-up. He also breaks lines with his carrying and presents a more functional containment strategy, potentially allowing Dias to drift to the left. Martínez might opt for Veiga, but if he's in good form, Tomás offers more. Especially if he gains confidence.

The exercise is laid out. The opportunity is unique, perhaps unrepeatable. We will go there with courage. To give to Portugal so that Portugal can give!