USA vs Portugal - Player Ratings | OneFootball

João Félix high-fives Bruno Fernandes after the two combined for Portugal’s second goal against USA (Photo: Diogo Pinto/FPF)

Portugal added to the USA’s international break misery inflicting a 2-0 defeat on the hosts in Atlanta last night. PortuGOAL.net’s Nathan Motz was on-site at the Mercedez-Benz arena and graded each player’s contribution.

Roberto Martínez made 8 changes to the side which drew 0-0 against Mexico, demonstrating his commitment to building redundancy rather than field the strongest available XI.

Mallorca’s Samú Costa received another start alongside Bruno Fernandes while José Sá collected only his 4th-ever cap.

Starters

José Sá – 7.5/10

Called into action almost immediately to parry a deflected shot from Tillman. Then, in the 17th – was he brash or brimming with confidence after skipping past Pulisic on the dribble? It worked out for him, and he made a great save minutes later from Berhalter’s outside-the-box drive. Did make one poor pass in the 51st which put the defence under unnecessary pressure, but he was on-hand to deal with the resulting shot. Had very little to do afterwards and Sá must be confident of his spot on the plane for the WC.

Diogo Dalot - 6

A few teasing crosses in the opening quarter hour but let Freeman get inside to set up a Pulisic shot on 36’. Has not shown enough high-end potential and Matheus Nunes’ introduction as a fullback must have him concerned about playing time.

Gonçalo Inácio - 5

Not an inspiring outing. Bad giveaway to allow a Pulisic shot in the 5th minute. Then, another needless turnover allowed Robinson to shoot a few minutes before the half. Outshone by his CB counterparts and Inácio may not see the field at the WC unless injury demands.

Tomás Araújo - 7

Pulisic ran hard at Portugal’s backline throughout the first half but Araújo was up to the challenge. Multiple times he either guided the USA talisman wide or stood him up when no additional support was available. Not perfect, but considering he’s a newcomer working alongside a more established backline cast, Tomás did everything asked of him.

João Cancelo - 4.5

Poor communication to allow a McKennie free header in the 5th minute. Gave far too much space to Weah in the 23rd then let in another McKennie cross ten minutes later. Too lackadaisical, and not enough offensive impact to justify that level of contribution. Remains to be seen what Martinez makes of all this, but Cancelo once again has drifted into a mediocre space at precisely the wrong moment.

Samú Costa - 7

Another who will be pleased with his effort this international break. Good recovery to run down Pulisic in the 17th. Showed bravery and composure in equal measure. Dutifully assisted the backline, especially Inácio and drew the Pulisic yellow card in first half stoppage time. Let McKennie get in behind him once to receive a chipped pass over the top but very little to complain about otherwise. May have played his way onto the plane in Palhinha’s absence.

Francisco Trincão and Bruno Fernandes celebrate the opening goal (Photo: Diogo Pinto/FPF)

Bruno Fernandes – 8.5, PortuGOAL.net’s Man of the Match

Maestro. Peaking in form for both Manchester United and his national team. Ran onto Vitinha’s pass in the 8th and delivered an excellent shot on goal from a tight angle on the right. Then, in a half of few clear chances, Bruno made a trademark right channel move to receive yet another ball from Vitinha, this time backheeling an assist to Trinção. Assisted Félix with a well-taken corner. His decision-making was on point all evening and the US had no response once Pulisic was subbed off.

Vitinha - 8

The little wizard was here, there, and everywhere as usual. Crucial block to deny a certain goal in the 5th minute, his ball for Bruno minutes later nearly opened the scoring for the visitors. Near identical scenario did lead to Trincão’s opener. There are times Vitinha could be more direct, but Martínez is demanding a lot from him – dropping all the way to the back four to collect the ball then tiki-taka his way into the attacking third. Can this approach be sustained? Perhaps with PSG teammate Neves at his side.

Trincão - 7.5

Cute little nutmeg to draw a foul on 20 minutes. Scored his 4th international goal and showed he belongs in the squad. Still, the wing position – so strong in generations past – remains unsettled.

Pedro Neto - 5

How shall I put this? Tried to do too much and in the end did too little. Showed his pace but effectively corralled by the hosts and struggled alongside Cancelo to lock up his side of the pitch. After a decent match against Mexico, now this.

Gonçalo Ramos - 4.5

You must feel for Ramos. Given a glorious opportunity over two matches and he’s blown it, plain and simple. Huffed and puffed then finally got on the end of a cross from Dalot in the 29th making a mess of it. Played through by a cheeky backheel from Bruno but took a heavy touch to run the ball out of play. Missed another shot wide right in the 56th. His time may yet come or it may not, but his game needs some work.

Substitutes

Nuno Mendes - 7

Far more assertive with Weah, Mendes burst loose down the left when he felt like it. Slight injury scare after a tussle for possession but recovered well to make a real menace of himself throughout the second half.

António Silva - 6

Played a good ball for Nunes over the top early in the second half, but beaten on the dribble by Agyemang in the 78th minute. His susceptibility in 1v1s stands out and he will likely round out the bench at this summer’s WC.

Francisco Conceição - 5.5

His speed made him a decent outlet down the left but his end product was lacking. Should have scored in stoppage time from Paulinho’s throughball. Yet another winger whose inconsistencies are getting the better of him for both club and country.

Rúben Neves - 6

Decent half volley effort in the 64th and provided decent support for the defence. But Samú Costa was better.

Ricardo Horta – 6.5

Shot over after being teed up by Conceição on 67 minutes. Good pressing and link up play with Mendes down the left.

Matheus Nunes - 7

Cut out a dangerous cross in the 54th then ran onto a good ball to tee up Ramos minutes later. Another vital interception on the hour mark and Nunes showed he is currently at a level our other RBs cannot match. He deserves to start for Portugal at the WC.

João Félix - 7

Looked extremely comfortable on the ball. Patiently took down Bruno‘s corner and scored off the left upright from outside the box. He lacks nothing technically; it is a question of mentality. Playing centrally he looked focused and dangerous. Good performance.

Paulinho - 6.5

Nearly had a free run at goal but took too heavy a touch after Chico’s layoff in the 71st. Not enough pace to get onto Félix’s throughball in the 90th then set up Chico with a great pass in stoppage time. Hard to say if he has enough quality for this level, but with Ramos struggling you just never know.

Renato Veiga - 6

Let Aaronson get by him to shoot in the 81st, otherwise did plenty to suggest he will start alongside Dias at the WC.