Ronaldo, Bernardo Lead Portugal: Player Ratings vs Poland
Portugal cruised past Poland in the Round of 16 at Euro 2023, securing a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão. While the team performance was impressive, certain players shone brighter than others. Let's dive into the player ratings from the match:
Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10): The veteran forward was simply unstoppable, showcasing his class with a stunning goal and a commanding presence on the pitch. His movement, experience, and finishing ability proved too much for the Polish defense.
Bernardo Silva (8.5/10): The Manchester City maestro pulled the strings in midfield, dictating the tempo and creating chances with his exceptional passing and dribbling skills. He was a constant threat to the Polish defense and deservedly earned his goal.
Rafael Leão (8/10): The young attacker made a significant impact off the bench, showcasing his pace and composure. He secured the victory with a well-taken goal, proving his value as a game-changer for Portugal.
João Félix (7.5/10): While not as prolific as his teammates, João Félix was a constant threat in the final third, creating opportunities with his intelligent movement and skillful play. He contributed greatly to Portugal's overall attacking dominance.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10): The Manchester United midfielder provided the assist for Ronaldo's goal and displayed his usual creative flair. He wasn't as impactful as his midfield partner Bernardo Silva but still played a vital role in Portugal's success.
Pepe (7/10): The veteran defender was his usual solid self, providing leadership and experience to the backline. He kept the Polish attack at bay for the most part, demonstrating his resilience and tactical awareness.
Diogo Dalot (6.5/10): The fullback had a decent outing, contributing defensively and offensively. He showed good pace and crossing ability, but could have been more effective in the final third.
Rúben Dias (6.5/10): The Manchester City center-back was steady and reliable, forming a solid partnership with Pepe. He was a calming presence in defense, preventing any major threats from the Polish forwards.
João Cancelo (6.5/10): The fullback was a constant outlet down the right flank, providing good width and overlapping runs. However, his final product was lacking, and he could have been more effective in creating opportunities.
Vitinha (6/10): The young midfielder offered good energy and dynamism in midfield, contributing to Portugal's overall control. He needs to improve his decision-making and final ball but showed potential for the future.
Poland's performance was lackluster, with Robert Lewandowski (6/10) struggling to find his usual form. The Polish attack lacked creativity and dynamism, resulting in a disappointing defeat.
Overall, Portugal's victory was built on a strong collective effort, but the individual brilliance of Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva undoubtedly stole the show. The team looks well-equipped to make a serious run in the tournament.
