Portugal player ratings after narrow victory versus Azerbaijan

It was an unspectacular night for Portugal in Turin as they edged past Azerbaijan to secure victory in their first World Cup 2022 qualifying fixture, though there were still a couple of standout performers for the national team.

Anthony Lopes - 5.5

Deputising for the absent Rui Patricio, Lopes did not have a lot to do as Azerbaijan failed to register a shot on target, though he had two major involvements in the game - and neither were particularly convincing. The first was when he received the ball from a backpass and, after dawdling on the ball for a little too long, his attempted clearance deflected off the Azerbaijan striker and could have created a problem from nothing for his side. The second was an incredibly dangerous cross whipped into the box which, to Lopes’ credit, the Portuguese shot-stopper managed to deal with. He only managed to punch the ball clear though, keeping alive a very dangerous opportunity for Azerbaijan. But they failed to capitalise.

Nuno Mendes - 7

A really solid debut from Sporting’s 18-year old left back. Having played as a wingback with a back three behind him at club level, you’d have been forgiven for expecting this to be a daunting task for a player so young, but he was composed on the ball, linking up play very well, making great decisions and was creative and looking to make things happen all the time. He delivered a tremendous cross into the box to Ronaldo too, but the Juventus star just couldn’t direct on target.

Domingos Duarte - 7.5

Potentially Portugal’s best performer on the night which, considering his position and that Portugal were facing Azerbaijan, is more than a little surprising. However, making his second appearance for the senior national team, the Granada star didn’t put a foot wrong. Making a couple of excellent tackles to break up some potentially dangerous Azerbaijan moves, he also made a crucial interception in Portugal’s six yard box to stifle what would have been by far Azerbaijan’s best opportunity to find an equaliser. He also proved a danger attacking-wise too, his header glancing past the post, while he also latched onto the end of a cute Ronaldo chip into the box and just fired wide.

Ruben Dias - 6.5

As with Duarte, it was a relatively straightforward day in the office for the Manchester City man; with Portugal facing such an inferior opponent and his defensive partner stepping up to make some crucial interceptions, there was not a great deal of note for Dias to get involved in, but he showed that same leadership and defensive solidity that he has been for City all season.

Joao Cancelo - 7

Cancelo was certainly busy on the overlap for Portugal, playing more of a wingback than a fullback as he was given the license to roam. Offering the threat of running down the line and cutting inside to shoot, he delivered some dangerous crosses and also registered 4 shots, proving one of Portugal’s strongest attacking outlets from right back, and though none of his shots came particularly close, he gave Azerbaijan’s backline plenty to think about.

Ruben Neves - 7

A very solid display from Wolves’ midfielder, which again is somewhat unsurprising considering the level of the opposition. He linked up play well and often found himself in slightly more advanced positions, allowing for him to strike two long-distance efforts, both of which caused Azerbaijan’s goalkeeper - who was man of the match - some real problems. His second was particularly impressive, struck low and hard and, on another night, likely would have opened the scoring for Portugal. He also delivered the cross that ultimately led to Portugal’s fortuitous winner. In a game Portugal were expected to dominate, he controlled midfield very well.

Joao Moutinho - 6

Given 45 minutes of game time before being brought off for the more attacking Bruno Fernandes, Moutinho was as composed as you would expect in the middle of the park, keeping the game moving and playing some good passes across the field of play. He kept the game ticking over, seeing plenty of the ball and serving the role he was given without stepping out of his comfort zone and taking the game by the scruff of its neck.

Bernardo Silva - 7

At times, Bernardo seemed to be all over the pitch as the guy who was clearly trying to add that bit of invention and craft to unlock the Azerbaijan defence. Attacking down the left, right and through the middle, he constantly got on the ball and looked to attack the backline, dribbling with purpose and making some good forward-thinking passes. It ultimately failed to lead to the breakthrough for Portugal, but it looked like he would have been at the centre or Portugal’s attempts to break the deadlock had they not been given a giant helping hand from their opponents.

Pedro Neto - 6

Neto saw his fair share of the ball and clearly tried to make things happen, though apart from a few good crosses he didn’t leave a major impression on the game, with Bernardo on the opposite flank always seeming the more likely to contribute to Portugal’s most threatening moves. He was taken off for Rafa Silva just past the hour mark.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 6

By his very high standards it was a disappointing display from the Juvneuts star - though the reaction to his performance is based more on the fact that we have come to expect so much more, rather than a genuine reflection of his overall game. He linked up with the players around him in an unselfish manner, and his chipped ball into the box to Domingos Duarte was delightful and nearly opened proceedings. His little touch back to Bruno Fernandes also should have been rewarded with an assist. Only one of his three freekicks was of acceptable quality though - and though it caused the keeper some problems, it was right down the middle.

Andre Silva - 4.5

We expected more from Eintracht Frankfurt’s in-form striker, but it wasn’t his night. A bystander for the most part, the only chance that he had that springs to mind was his header that did come close to opening the scoring. Other than that, with suitable service occasionally lacking, Silva was locked out of much of the game.

Substitutes

Bruno Fernandes - 7

Off the bench, Fernandes had a good impact, adding additional creativity to the game and looking to make things happen. Portugal perhaps lost a touch of their defensive cover, but clearly had increased attacking flair to turn to, and many would have hoped to have seen him take a couple of the freekicks Portugal earned. He had the best chance of the game later on, Ronaldo laying the ball back to him, but Fernandes was denied by a wonderful strike.

Rafa Silva - 5

Added some good energy to proceedings but was ultimately ineffective and was unable to unlock the Azerbaijan defence.

Joao Felix - 6

Had a good impact off the bench, taking up good spaces and coming close to scoring after a nice Portugal move. Looked lively and did well in a short space of time.