Portugal has a lot of possession against the DR Congo, but does almost nothing with it. A picture that has been seen several times at the 2026 World Cup.
Anyone who watched Portugal’s World Cup opener against DR Congo (1-1) experienced déjà vu. The game was strikingly reminiscent of Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde (0-0). On the one hand, a title favorite who had a lot of possession of the ball, but didn’t know how to use it due to a lack of dynamism and creativity. On the other hand, a blatant outsider who compensated for his lower individual quality with enormous collective fighting strength.
Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes without effectiveness
Vitinha, one of Portugal’s two central midfielders, had 130 ball contacts after the game against DR Congo. His yield: zero shots on goal, zero assists. Given the extra class of Vitinha, his trademark “thinker and leader” at Champions League winners Paris St. Germain, these statistics prove the futile art against the Africans.
His teammate Bruno Fernandes was on the ball 93 times and only managed three harmless shots in the final phase. However, the Manchester United star also failed to assist on a goal – although the ten-man broke the Premier League record with 21 assists last season.
In the final third of the game, the Portuguese acted without esprit and were far too static, which made it difficult for Vitinha and Fernandes to threaten their teammates. An xG value (the probability of a goal scoring opportunity resulting in a goal) of 0.84 against DR Congo speaks volumes.
Rodri also faded against Cape Verde
The two Portuguese creative players caused the next déjà vu: They were reminiscent of Rodri. Spain’s eighth, had the ball 129 times against Cape Verde. Manchester City’s midfield strategist also posed very little threat to score.
More verticality, fewer cross passes
Where are the assists from the world-class midfielders, is there a crisis in the “engine room”? It is clear that possession of the ball must be progressive. Verticality and quick attacks instead of lateral passes must be the motto for teams like Portugal or Spain. Ideally in conjunction with high pressing, because after winning the ball there is always disorder among the opponents, which also means space for players like Vitinha or Rodri. So there is space and time for a brilliant idea or a flash of inspiration.
Consistency instead of rest
More consistency wouldn’t have hurt the top teams. Portugal felt a false sense of security after taking the early lead against the DR Congo, while Spain rested on their supposed superiority based on their individual and playing skills until time ran out at the end. Individual development players can have little effect; it only works as a group.
Another factor for the unimaginative pass relays could be that the top teams are currently taking few risks. 32 of the 48 teams taking part for the first time reach the knockout round, and in addition to the two first-place teams, eight of the twelve third-placed teams advance. Portugal, Spain and Co. may think that there is still enough time to switch up. Especially when looking at the entire tournament.
Two outsiders are waiting again
The second day of the preliminary round will already provide information about what the favorites and their strategists are actually doing. Spain is heavily favored against Saudi Arabia (June 21st, from 6 p.m. in the audio stream on sportschau.de). For Portugal, only three points count against outsiders Uzbekistan (June 23, 7 p.m., live on ARD as well as in the live stream and audio stream on sportschau.de).
So, at least on paper, the next two déjà vu happen. With Spain and Portugal it is hoped that at least the result of the first game will not be repeated.