3 things we learned from Portugal’s World Cup warm-up matches

Portugal enjoyed a mixed bag of results in their World Cup warm-up matches but will be confident heading into the tournament.

Reigning European champions,Portugal recently hosted three warm-up friendlies ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Russia. Their preparations began on May 28 where they drew 2-2 with Tunisia after going two goals clear through Andre Silva and Joao Mario. They followed the match up with a goalless draw against Belgium five days later before playing their final warm-up match on Thursday, during which Cristiano Ronaldo’s return inspired the side to a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria. Here are three things we learned.

Bernardo Silva is the star behind the star

One of only four players to have started in all three matches, Bernardo Silva stood out as Portugal’s most consistent performer throughout the warm-ups. Fresh on the back of a title-winning season with Manchester City, the 23-year old was a constant threat against Tunisia and Belgium and was particularly unlucky not to score against the latter. Against Algeria, it was his cushioned header that sent Goncalo Guedes through for the opening goal and set Portugal on their way to a comfortable victory.

Silva, currently Portugal’s best player not named Cristiano Ronaldo, is a certain starter at the World Cup. The creative hub of the team, he displayed a new-found dependability in the absence of the more esteemed Ronaldo and linked up with him superbly upon his return. This dependability, coupled with his undoubted quality will be important in relieving some of the pressures which rest on Ronaldo’s shoulders to lead the nation forward.

Next: World Cup 2018: Full schedule

Goncalo Guedes or Andre Silva?

Despite scoring in the draw with Tunisia, Andre Silva continued to show signs that he is facing a crisis in confidence. The 22-year-old emerged as the the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne during qualifying but has scored only once in his last six international friendlies. That goal came in the draw against Tunisia but the AC Milan striker was otherwise wasteful and was used from the bench in the subsequent matches.

While Silva struggled, fellow youngster Goncalo Guedes thrived . The current Valencia loanee had a stellar season in Spain and excelled during Portugal’s warm-up matches, featuring in  all three friendlies. He was the star in the win over Algeria where he netted twice, scoring either side of Bruno Fernandes’ first international goal.

Silva’s apparent lack of form and Guedes impressive displays will have given manager Fernando Santos some food for thought. While the former operates centrally and the latter out wide, it is likely that there will only be space for one of them in the starting line up. Silva will be the favorite to start but Guedes has certainly played himself into contention.

Cristiano Ronaldo is still king

On the day of his 150th appearance for Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo showed why he is still the king. The 33-year old was rested for the first two friendlies following his successful Champions League campaign with Real Madrid but returned to captain his nation to a resounding win over Algeria. The current Ballon d’Or holder was instrumental in his side’s victory and recorded the assist for Fernandes’ goal with a pin-point cross.

He had a goal of his own contentiously ruled out for offside but it was his overall performances that highlighted the importance to the team. Heading into what may well be his last World Cup, Ronaldo looks up for it and will undoubtedly be Portugal’s key player at the tournament.