Ricardo Quaresma criticized Portugal’s performance in the match against Colombia, pointing above all to a drop in the team’s intensity and personality.
Speaking to LiveModeTV, the former Portuguese international considered that the team did not show the usual energy in highly demanding games, highlighting an attitude that, in his opinion, fell short of expectations.
Quaresma said that there was a lack of joy and the ability to take risks, stressing that the team seemed at times lacking in freshness and without offensive initiative. “There’s a lack of joy, a lack of happiness, a lack of creativity, a lack of that arrogance that we’ve always had and a lack of desire. There’s a lack of determination. It seemed like they were tired, unmotivated”, stated Quaresma, adding that the players cannot be afraid to take risks.
Despite the criticism, he made a point of remembering that the group’s talent is not at stake, arguing that the players just need more confidence and irreverence on the field.
Portugal finished the Group K group stage in second place and will now face Croatia in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, in a match scheduled for midnight on July 3.
Lent without mincing words. 👏🏻
— 𝖣𝖠𝖵𝖨𝖣𝖲 (@d20fernandes)
