Portugal vs Chile - Player Ratings | OneFootball

Portugal lineup versus Chile (Photo: PortuGOAL/Arlindo Alves Homem ©)

The Seleção escalated its preparations for the World Cup with a routine 2-1 victory over Chile at the Estádio Nacional in Jamor yesterday. Martinez fielded a strong starting XI minus the PSG contingent, who are still being rested following their successful Champions League campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo lead the line with Conceição and Leão either side of an attacking trident Martinez will need to sharpen for Portugal to have a realistic chance of winning the main event.

Starters

José Sá – 5/10

Had very little do in the 45 minutes he played, but made one terrible pass to Rúben Dias in the 30th minute. Unlikely to see the pitch unless injury forces it, but not encouraging from Sá.

Nélson Semedo – 6.5

Good ball for Costa in the 37’, Semedo worked efficiently alongside Conceição in the first half. Used his pace and dribbling to create a few opportunities in the opening forty-five. Remains to be seen how much he’ll feature in the US with so much competition at right back.

Renato Veiga – 6.5

Showed good footwork and used his body well to maintain possession. A good complement to Dias, will it be enough to secure a starting role against the DRC on 17 June?

Rúben Dias – 8

A competent, tough, smart performance from Dias. Very nearly opened the scoring in the 4’ getting on the end of Cancelo’s cross to force a spectacular save from the keeper. Bailed out Sá with a last-ditch tackle after Sá’s terrible pass was intercepted. Physical and uncompromising but kept his cool. Made another goal saving tackle in the 73’. Though other players get more press, Dias may yet be Portugal’s most important player this World Cup.

João Cancelo – 7.5

An eventful day for the Barcelona man, playing on the left behind Leão then Pedro Neto. Great early ball into the penalty area which Dias nearly scored. Covered down for Veiga well in the 25’ then sent Costa through down the right with a cheeky outside of the boot pass. Will have to be mindful of his temper which nearly got the better of him after a tussle with his marker along the byline at the end of the first half. Came out focused in the second half and nearly scored with an overhead kick in the 53rd. Remains Portugal’s most talented right back option, but in truth he was not tested defensively much against this opponent.

Samú Costa – 6.5

Fired in a hopeful effort from range in the 23’, Costa really should have finished Semedo’s cross in the 37th. Anchored midfield reasonably well and got forward in support of the attack. A workman in midfield, Costa did not show any top-end quality which might force him into Portugal’s talented midfield set-up.

Bruno Fernandes – 8, PortuGOAL.net's Man of the Match

A fairly obscure first half. Great ball for Cristiano in the 18’ but locked in more consistently in the second half. Thumped a sweeping cross-field ball to Dalot which should have been scored then hit the back of the net himself with a great finish from outside the area. Remains decisive even when not in top gear, a great sign for Portugal.

Bernardo Silva – 5.5

The ex-Manchester City playmaker continues making up the numbers in midfield. Cannot recall a mention of his name either for good or bad. Wandered in and out of play. His best chance to see the field will be on the right wing this tournament, a position in which he has rarely excelled for Portugal.

Francisco Conceição – 6.5

Has plenty of speed and trickery, but lacks power. Could set himself apart from other challengers by putting in more shots on target. Would be rated lower but for his awareness to deftly tap Cancelo’s ball into Bruno’s path to claim an assist on the second goal.

Rafael Leão – 5

In a friendly, Rafa?! Before being sent off for lashing out at an opponent, Leão was readily available on the left ahead of Cancelo. Released by Cristiano in the 9th only to strike the upright with a shot from a tight angle. Continued scampering past defenders but could not line up the right cross, blazing over or past attacking options at least four times in the first half. Remains to be seen if a suspension keeps him sidelined as the starting left wing position is still very much in doubt for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 6

His clever backheel released Leão early on, but a fairly muted performance otherwise. Received Bruno’s cross, turned inside then outside to shoot with his left, forcing a kick-save from the keeper. Replays showed a wide-open assist available just to his right, drawing criticism from many supporters. With such a talented midfield behind him, and Nuno Mendes on the left, Ronaldo will get his chances this tournament. Is he up to the task?

Substitutes

Rúben Neves – 6.5

Came on for Costa and delivered a great ball for Guedes to open the scoring. Perhaps a tad harsh, but would be expected to block Cepeda’s goal-bound effort – instead the ball went right through his legs and past Silva.

Diogo Dalot – 6.5

Made an excellent run to receive Bruno’s sweeping cross but couldn’t find the finish. Had a couple other decent forays into good attacking positions. It is tight between him, Semedo, and Cancelo right now.

Gonçalo Guedes – 7

Well, well…much criticism for Martinez’s decision to bring the Real Sociedad forward and he immediately proves his worth with a neat finish to open the scoring. With Leão, Neto, and Conceição struggling to find their best form, will Guedes steal in?

Rui Silva – 5.5

Ran out into no-man’s land in the 62’ to stop a counter but could not get to the ball in time. Fortunately Cancelo was on hand to clear the danger. Alert to claim a deflected effort in the 83’, and blocked a firm stoppage time effort. Could do nothing about the late goal.

Gonçalo Inácio - 6

Let his man get the wrong side of him in the 64’ to receive a cross. So tight between him and Veiga to start alongside Dias. Tonight, Veiga was better.

Pedro Neto – 6

Came on at the half and showed immediate willingness to take on his marker in physical duels. Ran hard but needs to test the keeper far more often. Missed the goal entirely in the 82’ after running onto Dalot’s pass.

João Félix – not rated

Tomás Araújo – not rated