Portugal secured a valuable victory in Hungary (2-3), in a lively match that confirmed their status as the favorites for qualification. Behind the collective success, certain individuals stood out for their impact, or lack thereof. Vitinha shone in midfield, João Neves confirmed his improvement, Nuno Mendes multiplied his runs and crosses, while Gonçalo Ramos, who was rarely found, remained in the shadows. Here’s a look at their performances in figures.
Vitinha, metronome and architect of the game
With 100 successful passes out of 101 attempted (99%), Vitinha embodied Portuguese technical mastery. A true regulator, he directed the game with his 8 successful long passes out of 8, while also feeding the attacking zones (23/30 passes in the final third, 97%).
His 105 possessions illustrate his constant influence. He not only built the team: he also protected the team with two interceptions and a physical presence in aerial duels (1/1 win). Following on from his performances in Paris, he established himself as a key player for the Seleção.
João Neves, the reliability of youth
Less spectacular than Vitinha, João Neves completed the midfield balance. With 45/51 successful passes (88%) and 13/18 successful passes in the final third, he ensured continuity between recovery and passing.
Offensively, he stood out with one shot (xG 0.33) and three touches in the box, but it was his defensive activity that really mattered: one interception, six duels contested (1/4 of which were won on the ground). At only 19 years old, his lucidity with the ball confirms that he’s not just a promising prospect, but already a reliable player in a key role.
Nuno Mendes, impact and volume
A much-needed left-back, Mendes once again demonstrated his importance on the wing. With 74 touches and 41/47 successful passes (87%), he was able to combine holding the ball and passing.
In the opposition’s box, he was a threat: 2 shots (xG 0.11) and 5 touches inside the box, while also delivering numerous crosses (14 passes in the final third, 74% success rate).
Defensively, his performance was remarkable: 13 duels contested (4/5 aerial, 3/8 on the ground), 1 successful tackle, and 4 interceptions. After months hampered by injuries, he’s now making a comeback and is becoming an essential weapon at two speeds: securing and unbalancing.
Gonçalo Ramos, Ghostly Despite His Desire
Ramos’s entry illustrates another facet: that of a striker cut off from the game. With only 6 touches of the ball, he didn’t attempt a single shot (xG 0.00). His statistics are limited to technical cleanliness (5/5 passes completed, 100%) and minimal presence in the box (only 1 touch).
Defensively, he stood out with 1 interception and 2 contested duels (1/1 won in the air, 0/1 on the ground). His performance reflects his dedication without the ball, but a glaring lack of chances created by the team. A forgettable match offensively, which further raises the question of his role against the opposition in attack.
Conclusion
This Portuguese victory in Hungary (2-3) illustrates the richness of a squad where diverse profiles coexist. Vitinha dominated the midfield with his surgical precision, João Neves confirmed his progress in transitional duties, Nuno Mendes animated the left flank with intensity, while Ramos suffered from a lack of offensive influence. This diversity of contributions, both positive and more neutral, offers an interesting snapshot of the current state of the Seleção: a talented team but still with room for improvement in the complementarity of its attack.
Key Match Stats
Vitinha
105 balls played
100/101 passes completed (99%)
23/30 final third passes (97%)
8/8 long passes completed
2 interceptions
João Neves
61 balls played
45/51 passes completed (88%)
13/18 final third passes (72%)
1 shot (xG 0.33), 3 touches in the box
1 interception, 6 duels contested
Nuno Mendes
74 balls played
41/47 passes completed (87%)
14 final third passes, 3 crosses
2 shots (xG 0.11), 5 touches in the box
13 duels contested, 4 interceptions
Gonçalo Ramos
6 balls played
5/5 passes completed (100%) %)
0 shots (xG 0.00), 1 touch in the box
2 duels contested (1/1 aerial, 0/1 on the ground)
1 interception
