António Silva and Tomás Araújo in Mexico-Portugal, ex Benfica off target | OneFootball

In the early hours of this Sunday, March 29, the national team was in action. In a friendly aimed at preparing for the 2026 World Cup, the team of the quinas, which included several players linked to Benfica, could do no better than a draw against Mexico (0-0) at the Estadio Azteca, in the Mexican capital.

In Roberto Martínez’s starting lineup, the highlight was the choice of António Silva. Wearing the No. 4 shirt, he partnered Renato Veiga. Tomás Araújo, meanwhile, played the entire second half, replacing his Benfica teammate. In between, João Félix, Gonçalo Ramos, João Neves and João Cancelo were also used.

Playing on Mexican soil, the Portuguese side struggled to impose their game in the opening minutes, giving Mexico more space to play. As the minutes went by, Portugal grew into the match and came close to scoring on three different occasions, one from João Félix and two from Gonçalo Ramos.

In the second half, with António Silva replaced by Tomás Araújo and the introduction of other players who have come through Benfica, the Portuguese kept searching for the goal, which still would not come, largely because of poor finishing and saves by the Mexican goalkeeper. The match ultimately ended goalless.

Portugal therefore take a misstep in their first warm-up match for the World Cup, which will take place in the summer. After the clash against Mexico, the national team travels to the United States, where they will face the home side next Wednesday at 00:07.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.