Portugal is a country that evokes strong passion in the state. Come European
Championship time or for that matter the World Cup, the whole state waits with
bated breath for every match contested by the team. In the last couple of days,
there were a couple of matches played by Portugal as it launched its campaign
to be part of the European Football Championship scheduled for 2020. The team,
as always, plays with flair and has talented footballers that can turn a match
in a minute. Then of course, there is Cristiano Ronaldo.
He is the engine that
drives the machine. But now there seems to be another player who could make his
life easier.
It seems ridiculous
that after scoring four goals for Portugal against Lithuania, this talking
point would be about anything other than Cristiano Ronaldo. But while Ronaldo
finishes the moves, it is Bernardo Silva who continues to be the beating heart
of this team, instrumental in Portugal’s impressive 4-2 win over Serbia on
Saturday with a goal and an assist, while laying on two more goals for Ronaldo
in the 5-1 win in Vilnius.
What do the people of
Goa think about this performance so far?
Sean Faia, a
communication consultant, felt it was a fantastic performance from Portugal and
Cristiano Ronaldo. He said, “He has been absolutely phenomenal in his
performance last season as well as this year. With him scoring four goals last
night and if he continues in this manner, Portugal has a great chance at the
EURO 2020 as well, and do very well in the World Cup after that. Now with Joao
Felix, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardho Silva too, they have more firepower. They
will do well in the Euro’s and in the World Cup too for sure.”
Nikhil Tavora, another passionate player and follower of the game and of the Portuguese
national team, said the supporting cast to Cristiano was very promising. He
said, “He may be 34 but he is defying age. He has adapted his game and is more
of a centre forward. I believe this team is quietly confident but France are
the outright favourites. I believe Portugal along with England, Netherlands,
Belgium will also be contenders.”
Journalist and musician Sullivan Noronha admitted to not following the leagues in
that country but felt the inherent quality of the players coming out of Portugal
would ensure the team would be tough and would give a good fight. He however
was not willing to comment on whether they would go all the way and defend the
title.
Simedh Bilgi a
media professional who watches international football with much interest felt
the leadership team of the Portuguese squad, which comprised the coach and
Cristiano, was doing a fantastic job. He said, “He has been inspirational and
the younger players coming to the ranks will be inspired by the effort he puts
in to remain really fit. He is on a different plane when it comes to looking
after himself. He will do well in the Euro and even in the World Cup in Qatar,
where I feel he will play a different kind of role. Yes of course, at some
stage, age will catch up with him, but he will find a way to still contribute.”
Finally,
Elroy Figueiredo, who follows Portugal
with much interest, said they had a good squad and the recent performances were
excellent. Players like Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes were reducing the load on
him but when he was asked if they could win it again, he smiled and said, “They
got lucky and won but for luck to hit them twice, I don’t really see that
happen.”
