Vitinha orchestrates a new rhythm, but (watch out!) Samu also hits the right notes for Portugal

RUI SILVA (5) – Nearly five years after his national team debut, he returned to Portugal's goal. It wasn't until the 36th minute that he was truly tested, parrying Israel Reyes' attempt. He was called into action again at 79’, rushing out of his area to clear a dangerous play from Armando González.

MATHEUS NUNES (6) – Guardiola honed his skills, and Martínez is now reaping the benefits. Playing as he did at the Azteca, he risks cementing a starting spot for the World Cup. Against Mexico, he showed from the opening whistle who owned that flank, not just defensively but also in supporting the attack.

ANTÓNIO SILVA (5) – Composed in his return to the national team's central defense, the Benfica center-back immediately asserted his authority in his zone with a crucial early tackle. This set the tone for a solid performance, marred by only one minor, inconsequential error.

RENATO VEIGA (6) – A dominant force in the air, the king of aerial duels in Portugal's defense (and occasionally in midfield).

NUNO MENDES (6) – He absorbs Martínez's desired dynamics for Portugal like few others, often drifting centrally with supersonic diagonal runs that occasionally bewildered the Mexican defense. A brilliant run down the flank just before halftime left the home side scrambling.

RÚBEN NEVES (5) – His long, always intentional pass is one of his key weapons, and he showcased it at the Azteca in a consistent first-half display.

FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO (4) – Restless and audacious, he tried to ignite Portugal's right flank, though not always successfully, partly due to the Mexican wall he repeatedly ran into.

BRUNO FERNANDES (6) – His usual intensity coupled with innate quality. He set up Gonçalo Ramos for Portugal's best chance of the first half, but Ramos hit the post squarely (27’). He seems tireless, and in that vein, he skillfully and wisely dictated Portugal's tempo in the second half, a period where he felt more comfortable with Vitinha and João Neves behind him.

JOÃO FÉLIX (5) – Portugal's first major opportunity fell to him at 15’, when he nearly scored a spectacular goal. He was the most liberated player, appearing in different areas of the pitch, seeking to create imbalances, though not always effectively.

GONÇALO RAMOS (5) – A goal shout went up at 27’, but the PSG forward's first-time shot struck the post! He held his head in his hands but didn't let it affect him. He added another missed chance at 34’. A hard worker, he faded in the second half and was substituted at 64’.

VITINHA (6) – The touch of class that Portugal's midfield had been lacking. With him, it was a different tune, thanks to a maestro who knows how to conduct an orchestra. The team improved with the PSG midfielder's presence, though it didn't impact the final score.

GONÇALO GUEDES (4) – Nearly four years later, he played for the national team again, but his performance was far from what he surely desired. A missed opportunity for the Real Sociedad attacker.

JOÃO NEVES (5) – Portugal needed someone to initiate organized attacking play, and that's what the young midfielder brought in the second half. The problem was further up the pitch...

TOMÁS ARAÚJO (5) – Entered a second half where Mexico posed less threat to the Portuguese defense. Solid and composed.

PEDRO NETO (5) – Came on after halftime and risked a red card just eight minutes in when he lost his temper and confronted Jesús Gallardo. He escaped the worst (receiving 'only' a yellow) and delivered a decent performance, marked by speed, intensity, and… almost a goal, twice (86’ and 90+2’).

DIOGO DALOT (5) – A bit more subdued than Matheus Nunes, also due to having less defensive work.

JOÃO CANCELO (5) – Brought experience and containment to the flank, but naturally, without Nuno Mendes' explosiveness. Good link-up play with Gonçalo Guedes.

PAULINHO (5) – Five and a half years waiting for this return. Called up at the last minute, he came on at 64’ for his 600th career game and received… an ovation from the Mexican crowd. However, they likely weren't as pleased when the Toluca forward started to… show his teeth, like that delightful backheel (86’) to set up Pedro Neto, who unfortunately shot wide. He's unlikely to be at the World Cup, and yesterday's test was insufficient to prove Martínez wrong if he decides against his inclusion.

TRINCÃO (-) – Ten minutes where he sought space but rarely found it amidst the Mexican crowd camped near the goal.