Portugal dropped into second in their Nations League group as they fell to a lacklustre defeat against Switzerland on Sunday night courtesy of Haris Seferovic’s first-minute strike.
The Swiss made an excellent start with as they struck inside the first 60 seconds, as Silvan Widmer fired in a pearler of a cross for target striker Seferovic to glance a header beyond Rui Patricio and into the far corner.
That loose opening sparked Portugal into action as they saw more of the ball, though it was Switzerland who nearly got the chance for a second when the referee consulted VAR over a potential Nuno Mendes handball in the area. However, a foul took place in the buildup and no spot-kick was given.
The Selecao did manage one shot on target during the first half as Danilo Pereira’s header forced a save from Jonas Omlin following Ruben Neves’ nod back across goal. However, they were largely disjointed and went into half time behind.
The second period saw Seferovic gifted an entire half to run into as the Benfica striker looked to make it 2-0, but he dragged his effort wide before Portugal pushed forward.
Substitute Bernardo Silva made an instant impact, driving forward and testing Omlin with a swerving long shot. Fellow replacement Goncalo Guedes also went close, latching onto a shot but only guiding it straight at Omlin.
Guedes was involved as Portugal continued to look for the equaliser, teeing up Diogo Jota with a looping cross, though the Liverpool forward saw his header punched away by Omlin.
It’s Portugal’s last game of the break and they return to action in September, when they face the Czech Republic. Switzerland will take on visit Spain on the same night.
GK: Rui Patricio – 5/10 – Just 14 touches in the first half and no chance to stop the opener. Only given a few moments of caution in the second 45.
RB: Joao Cancelo – 5/10 – Unsurprisingly beaten in the air for Seferovic’s header. Chopped down Embolo for a yellow card. Couldn’t carve open the Swiss defence.
CB: Pepe – 4/10 – A bit AWOL early doors. Undeniably up for the battle but didn’t show the quality he regularly did ten years ago.
CB: Danilo Pereira – 4/10 – Similarly at sea alongside Pepe. Showed some decent recovery pace at times, but he and Pepe’s disorganisation in the first minute ultimately proved costly.
LB: Nuno Mendes – 7/10 – Left a little stranded with no support on the left for Switzerland’s opener. Great ball across the box couldn’t be converted by a teammate. Good delivery all night.
CM: Bruno Fernandes – 6/10 – Made some good runs into the penalty area but often wasn’t picked out
CM: Ruben Neves – 6/10 – Carried out his defensive duties and showed nice awareness with the ball at his feet. Screamed at the referee a fair amount.
CM: Otavio – 5/10 – No discernible impact and brought off at half time.
RW: Rafael Leao – 5/10 – Tested out Widmer on occasion but didn’t have any shooting opportunities before his withdrawal.
ST: Andre Silva – 5/10 – Did work hard alongside Leao but the service was scarce.
LW: Vitinha – 4/10 – Really didn’t impact proceedings before his withdrawal.
SUB: Goncalo Guedes – 7/10 – Had a decent chance and set up another for Jota in what was a promising cameo.
SUB: Bernardo Silva – 7/10 – Good shot from distance and gave Portugal some added impetus.
SUB: Diogo Jota – 6/10 – Showed some brilliant endeavour to almost carve out a chance in the box from a corner. Would have buried his headed chance on another day.
SUB: Matheus Nunes – N/A
SUB: Ricardo Horta – N/A
