Lack of joy and happiness: Quaresma explains Portugal’s problems under Ronaldo

Portugal’s poor start to the 2026 World Cup has drawn harsh criticism of both the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo, with questions raised about their form and chemistry despite high expectations ahead of the tournament. The European side narrowly progressed from the group stage after a mixed campaign that included a single dominant win over Uzbekistan and thrilling draws against DR Congo and Colombia.

Criticism intensified after their labored performances in the final group game, where Portugal struggled to make a breakthrough despite boasting a star-studded midfield and attack.

“There is a lack of joy, a lack of happiness, a lack of creativity,” said former Portugal international Ricardo Quaresma, quoted by Reuters. “They looked tired, unmotivated,” he added, reflecting on the team’s subdued performances in the group stage.

Portugal were held to a goalless and scrappy Colombia encounter at Miami Stadium on June 28 in Group K, a game in which both sides created chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough. Colombia finished with 24 shots compared to Portugal’s 13, including six on target, as the European side struggled to turn possession into meaningful opportunities. Davinson Snchez’s late header was ruled out for offside by the narrowest of margins, denying Colombia a late winner.

Today, VAR disallowed Colombia’s goal based on a toe. In the camera angle they used to justify it, the player’s leg is not visible at all. We know that all players were 3D scanned before the tournament started to create these renders. Does the computer calculate a likely clue? pic.twitter.com/KlJesIB4UZ— Henrique Cartaxo (@AugursNFT) June 28, 2026

LACK OF COHESION IN PORTUGAL UNDER GROUND

The performance of Portugal’s midfield trio – Bruno Fernandes, Joo Neves and Vitinha – has also come under scrutiny, with questions about their inability to consistently create chances at key moments. Despite Fernandes’ reputation as one of Europe’s leading playmakers, Portugal’s attacking rhythm appeared disjointed, with minimal penetration in the final third across several games.

Portugal’s problems have sparked a wider debate about their tactical balance and team chemistry heading into the knockout stages. While the individual talent remains unquestionable, the side have yet to work cohesively as a unit, with their slow pace and lack of creativity proving costly against well-organised opposition.

Despite progressing to the next stage, the performances have raised concerns about whether Portugal can realistically challenge the tournament favorites unless there is significant improvement in attacking coordination and midfield control. Portugal and Ronaldo will face his former team-mate Luka Modric’s Croatia-led side in the Round of 16 next July 3.

Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news

– The end

Published on:

29 Jun 2026 01:31 IST