Friendly: Portugal gains confidence against Israel (4-0) just before the Euro

Portugal, the third opponent of the Blues in Euro Group F, reassured Wednesday in Lisbon against Israel (4-0) during its last preparatory meeting for the European Nations Championship.

After drawing with Spain last Friday (0-0), the European champions gained great confidence against the humble Israeli team and 85th in the FIFA rankings and did not qualify for the continental tournament.

Bruno Fernandes first wrapped up a 100% + done at Manchester + by taking in a central defender from City’s side, Joao Cancelo, who was himself fired by Bernardo Silva (1-0, 42nd position).

Two minutes later, Manchester United playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo served deep, hitting the Portugal captain hard with his left foot to score his 104th goal in 175 games (2-0, 44th place) and only close to five lengths. Of the world record (109) held by the Iranian Ali Daei.

Joao Cancelo, with a clear shot from the left at the end of the match (3-0, 86) and again Bruno Fernandes with a long shot after a ball that was blocked by the Israeli defense (4-0, 90 + 1), then gave the appearance of a correction to the Portuguese victory.

Ahead of the first two goals, Portugal severely lacked realism despite several clear opportunities, a recurring evil in recent months: Diogo Jota (10th, 15th), Ruben Neves (16th), Bruno Fernandes (34) and Ronaldo (28) wasted 41) the mark.

The second half was played at a more relaxed pace, and Portugal took the opportunity to review their squad with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Danilo Pereira and Lille midfielder Renato Sanchez.

– great confidence –

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo made way to Valencia winger Gonzalo Guedes in the 71st minute.

If he confirmed before the meeting that this match against Israel was not a “test” for his players, coach Fernando Santos still allowed himself some tests in a team that initially did not change much.

The 66-year-old coach, for example, was founded by Granada goalkeeper Rui Silva, who offered him his first minutes in Seleção. Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper Anthony Lopez, the usual runner-up behind Rui Patricio, suffered a bruise during training the day before.

Above all, he was able for the first time to count on all his executives, notably the trio of Manchester City, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva, who had recently integrated into the training camp after losing the Champions League final to Chelsea at the end of May (1-0).

Fernando Santos responded in a press release to the conference at the end of the match: “We were able to correct several things regarding the match against Spain (…) I know what we have to do to win, and I have great confidence in the team.” Meeting.

Portugal, European champions and in a very difficult Group F, will start the continental tournament on June 15 against Hungary in Budapest, then move to Munich on June 19 to face Germany, before returning in the Hungarian capital for a reshape. Euro 2016 final against France on June 23.