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An Optimist’s Take on the Portugal v Angola Game

June 12th, 2006 | By: Dan Lourenço | 22 Comments »

There are no shortage of pessimists/cynics in the media. By now you must’ve read about Portugal’s “unimpressive” victory over Angola. Most articles I’ve come across on the internet basically read as follows: Portugal came out swinging for the first 15-20 minutes, then turned down the heat and under-delivered.

I’m here to give you a glass-half-full interpretation of today’s game against Angola, being cautiously aware that my optimism has severely let me down in the past. Still, I believe this team has what it takes to advance deep into the tournament.

Let’s start with the good stuff. Portugal certainly came out swinging with Pauleta almost nabbing a goal in fifteen seconds. Impressive. Even more impressive is when Figo outruns a defender–yes, I said it–outruns a defender a delivers a picture perfect cross to Pauleta, this time finishing clinically. 1-0 Portugal. I changed my underwear and returned to watch the rest of the match.

Shortly thereafter, the criticism began. I’ll address a few issues brought up on the blog:

- Cristiano Ronaldo. Many people have criticized him on his performance and whining/pouting. I’m not going to sit here and say he didn’t complain, but I will say I can understand his frustration. The past few games he’s played have been very physical (Cabo Verde, Angola). English Football is a flowing, attack-minded style of play. It seems as though Portugal’s past 2 opponents have played a physical, disruptive style of game, which results in many stops and starts, not allowing the Portugal team to play as freely as they’d like. This, along with 2 saved Ronaldo shots (one stop from the crossbar, another from Angola’s keeper) is obviously going to upset anyone, especially a youn g kid who wants to make a good impression on the world.

Yeah, he looked frustrated, but he’s keeping his aggression to himself instead of lashing out against opponents like he did during the friendlies. (By the way, I don’t understand that yellow card he received…) Let’s give the kid a break and give him credit where credit is due. With a bit of luck he could’ve bagged 2 goals himself today.

- Speaking of potential goals, let’s not forget the great saves by the Angola keeper, Joao Ricardo. He did a great job coming out and rushing Pauleta, causing him to shoot wide. He sacrificed his body on that play, as he took a boot to the gut. He made 2 other saves from a Pauleta attempt, another from a C. Ronaldo shot, and a great tip on a Maniche blast from outside the box.

- Let’s address the general performance of Portugal. My main complaint: lack of sharp passing. There were just too many instances of poor passing for such a cup-worthy team. I’m sure they’ll work on this in training. The main issue, however, seems to be that Portugal could not get a smooth, effective wave of attack going in the second half. This was due to Angola’s quick marking, doubling up as needed. The Angolans made up for their lack of technical skill with their pace and marking. Every time the Portuguese attempted a pass, an Angolan was rushing to try and intercept the ball or pressure the Portuguese. This, combined with a flat back defensive line, caused problems for the Portuguese attack and did not allow Portugal to play the game they way they are used to.

Does this sound familiar to you? It does to me. The Portugal team that played beautiful soccer against Spain, England and the Netherlands in Euro 2004, could not figure out how the hell to disarm the Greeks, twice. This was because of the Greek team tactics–shut down the key players, play some solid defense, and hope for a counterattack. This is what we found today. It also didn’t help that our maestro Deco was on the bench, but good tactics by Scolari to leave him out and ensure he’s 100% fit.

I thought that Scolari was smart to bring in Maniche, as he was trying to change game tactics from a wing-play minded style to a more direct attacking style. You need to vary your game and take some shots to keep your opponent guessing. Maniche was very close to making it 2-0.

I think when we face some opponents who play a more “open” style of the beautiful game, we’ll have greater success. I guess Angola’s coach summed it up for me:

“I don’t think that Portugal played badly; I think that Angola played well.”

Tags: Angola, Portugal, Reviews, Thoughts

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Comments

By Luis | June 12th, 2006 at 3:11 am

Nice Dan. Good summary. Guess I’m an optimist.

Posted from United States

By Stan | June 12th, 2006 at 4:14 am

I think that Scolari intended the more defensive second half. Albeit the Angolan team won’t pose a huge attack on the Portuguese but it is a good was to test your defence. All three subs he used were defensive minded and straight out from the gate in the second half you could tell Portugal was going to defend. IT was a game of two halves. Portugal attacking in the first relentlessly and then in the second on counters.

Although Portugal could have easily gone into the break 4-0 give credit to the Angolans. They played well would have been harsh to go into half more then two.

All in all a stern test for the free flowing attack, and a nice display of counter attacking and defense in the second.

Remember, once you score a goal in football, it does not mean you have won…

Posted from Canada

By Calvin | June 12th, 2006 at 5:02 am

Scolari is an experienced coach. Portugal sat out Deco because they did not want to risk him against Angola. Scolari made the right decision because now he’ll be fit for Iran and Mexico. Portugal boasts a wealth of attack, but just need the time to adjust. They started poorly at Euro 2004 as well, but look how far they made it. I have faith in Scolari, and I believe that Portugal will turn up the tempo in their next game against Iran. But what matters is that they got the three points they wanted. I mean after all, isn’t that what really matters? Those precious points hold a great significance, and we got them.

Força Portugal!

Posted from Canada

By Donny | June 12th, 2006 at 5:23 am

I think Portugal played a great game. Yes, I said GREAT. I think as Portuguese we always feel that it has to be “Joga Bonito” all the time in order for us to believe they have played well. Here is what I saw. Ricardo was sharp when called upon. The defense played well together. The attack created great opportunities. We rested some key players needed for a long title run (Costinha & Maniche saw limited action, Deco was out, C. Ronaldo got sub-ed off 60 minutes in). Got some inexperienced palyers on the pitch for some playing time. And we got the 3 points! I think its the perect way to start a tournament.

By HurrikaneDIABLO | June 12th, 2006 at 5:24 am

I asked this in the other blog thread:

Did you guys watch Iran play Mexico? What do you guys make of the Iranian team and what it might pose to the Portuguese side?

I’m not familiar with Iran’s football history but I have the impression that they may come out with a vegence and, most likely, a touch of desperation. I think it was a good thing that they faced a determined opponent such as Angola, which in turn will help better prepare Portugal for another determined team that they’ll undoubtedly face in Iran. What are your takes?

Posted from United States

By kickedbyconsole | June 12th, 2006 at 6:07 am

“My main complaint: lack of sharp passing. There were just too many instances of poor passing for such a cup-worthy team.”

that was my main complaint as well. it made me really nervous throughout the entire game. nice post-game commentary, dan.

Posted from Canada

By ricardo | June 12th, 2006 at 10:58 am

first a positive note to you dan:
good, breakdown of the the game. I enjoyed reading it.

Then my two-pennies worth:
Indeed much of Portugal’s trouble had to do with Angola. They were very fit and did well closing down the opposition quickly.
I thought Scolari was crazy to start with 3 born wingers (Ronaldo, Figo and Simao).
Simao was terrible. Nothing he tried worked. Bring on Boa Morte for the next game.
Ronaldo was really indulging himself. There is no excuse for
some of the stuff he was doing, like crossing the ball with crossed legs. In games like this, simple and efficient is what you want. He needs to be brought back to earth and Scolari will certainly work on that.
Pauleta did well, for the little service he got.
Tiago was disappointing but he had a tough mission. I doubt Deco could have done better.
Considering how little Angola had upfront and the fact that they clogged the middle, i would have liked to see more work with the fullbacks Miguel and Nuno Valente. They did try but they did not have a lot of space because Simao and Ronaldo stayed in front of them.

And finally a real bad note:
It was disgusting to see Tiago want to throw the ball in and nobody at all interested in getting it. Eventually he threw it in to the opposition. That was painfully reminiscent of the disinterest of the portuguese players in the WC2002.

Posted from Netherlands

By payam | June 12th, 2006 at 12:22 pm

hey babyyyyyyyyyyyyyy make yourself ready for is as what we did for mexican blog we will attack your blog by our comment i think Portugal 1 iran 2

Posted from Islamic Republic Of Iran

By payam | June 12th, 2006 at 12:24 pm

redy for us i mean

Posted from Islamic Republic Of Iran

By "O Padrinho" | June 12th, 2006 at 2:08 pm

It was not an excellent game of Portugal, but i think we played enough to beat Angola. And i think you’re forgetting the great exhibition the Angola goalkeeper has done.

Although, Deco has an important role in the attack of the portuguese team, and when he get’s at 100% our team will improve for sure!!

Posted from Portugal

By tony | June 12th, 2006 at 5:44 pm

portugal had a ood game in the first half but i think scolari should of left ronaldo on the field. i would of substituded figo instead because after figo assited on pauleta’s goal he did nothing. but other than that he is a good player.

Posted from Canada

By Eliane | June 12th, 2006 at 7:45 pm

Olá, meninos!

Queria apenas dizer-lhe que tem uma brasileira torcendo muito por vocês, e que sinceramente eu adoraria ve-los levantar aquela taça, vocês merecem! Um super beijo!

By VooDoo | June 13th, 2006 at 1:04 am

Meganews!

This World Cup 2006 is under control of voodoo magicians http://www.voodoo4football.com
The results of the matches are under the control of psy-influence!
Do you believe in it? What dou you think?

Posted from Ukraine

By Pedro P | June 13th, 2006 at 4:00 pm

Obrigado menina Eliane!
Nos anos em que Portugal nao foi ao Campeonato tambem havia sempre muita gente a torcer pelo Brasil.

Why do I get the feeling that for some, nothing’s ever good enough… We beat Angola fair, went for a brilliant quick early goal (it didn’t happen unplaned, in my opinion) and managed. Sure, passing wasn’t so good, Simao’s kicks were always too high, etc…

As we’ve seen in some friendlies, the team is now not basing all the attack on the wings, which materializes in a more direct and also less tiring game PLUS explores more C Ronaldos and Figo’s ability to score and not just assist.

We put a lot of new people (I guess apart from Deco and Boa Morte, all the midfielders played) playing in a tough midfield, giving them some experience in the WC and preparing them mentaly for next games. Were secure in defense.

Why saying we did wrong, when we won? Imagine we get out of groups and meet Argentina (which, in true honesty, is much stronger than Holland) and then don’t have the legs… Or, much more important, against Iran? We must win, no matter who.

We have the 3 points, we know we can play better (don’t need to spend energy demostrating it to the world), but what we need are results. Not super performaces. Italy always plays the same way, also have excellent players, and basicly they play very smart. They’ve won it (WC) 3 times. We never won. Sure, the world’s gonna say I’m stupid, but by no means are we worse than them. So far, only Argentina (and Angola - they made life much more complicated to us than people are admiting - just look at their goalie) has impressed me.

FORCA PORTUGAL!

Posted from Netherlands

By Pedro P | June 13th, 2006 at 4:19 pm

The more and more I like this guy!!!

(in portuguese)

http://www.record.pt/noticia.asp?id=710201&idCanal=832

Posted from Netherlands

By soze | June 13th, 2006 at 5:26 pm

Figo played like a true leader. I think he will be the star for your team. I hope we can hold the same againt Brazil today, but this will be tough. Can we borrow Figo for the game?

Posted from Canada

By Pedro P | June 13th, 2006 at 5:51 pm

Good luck tonight Soze. It’s sure not gonna be easy for CRO!

Posted from Netherlands

By Kiko | June 13th, 2006 at 5:57 pm

Portugal v Angola was a good match. Good luck on your next games!

Forca Portugal!!!

Posted from United Kingdom

By Ceasar Lourenco | June 13th, 2006 at 6:05 pm

Well said Pedro, and good luck today Soze your going need it I think..

Next Iran and I have a feeling it won’t be as difficult as Angola was. Iran plays a much more offensive open style and because of their first game loss they’re probably going to open up even more. So I figure if we play to our strengths we should be able to exploit that to our advantage. Pauleta might have a good day??
Here’s hoping.

Posted from Canada

By tony | June 13th, 2006 at 11:17 pm

well the way portugal has played since thier lose to greece in the 2004 euro cup, portugal has gone undifeated since than. and they will be unstopable in the group stage! and yes figo did play like a true leader in this game lets just hope he sticks to the way he has played so far.
VIVA PORTUGAL!!!!!

Posted from United States

By bobby | June 14th, 2006 at 3:41 am

i felt that scolari should have played both pauleta and nuno gomes up front considering that we need not a play 5 midfielders from da start.i strongly believe that pauleta will struggle upfront alone in da world cup even though he has a evcellent goal scoring record.

Posted from Singapore

By T Reis | June 15th, 2006 at 9:01 am

I could not agree more Dan. I view the performance from a prectical point of view. If we beat Angola 5-0 all the Portugese fans (and players as the have done in the past) would get ahead of themselves and then we would underestimate Iran. Now the team knows that there is still plenty of work to do and we must progessively improve throughout the tournament if we want to win it. Besides I don’t remeber the Greeks playing impressive football (it was effective but not impressive)and they are European Champions. Perhaps Portugal should play unimpressive and dull football (like the succesful teams from Germany and Italy )and win rather than play attractive and win over some of the neutrals but win nothing else… Forca Portugal!

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