Chapter 470: Portugal is Not a One-Man Team
Bernardo Silva receives the ball in his own half.
Vidal charges towards him, aiming to intercept and launch a counterattack. But Bernardo Silva seems to have anticipated this move. Calmly, he controls the ball with his right foot.
Vidal pounces on his right foot, intending to steal the ball. Unexpectedly, Bernardo Silva sidesteps, letting the ball pass by and quickly swivels his body back.
This move isn't particularly elegant, but it's effective. He evades Vidal and starts dribbling forward. By the time Vidal realizes and tries to chase, it's too late.
Vidal doesn't pursue further; as a forward for this match, there's no need to track back so deep.
With ease, Bernardo Silva shakes off Vidal's pressure and advances with the ball.
From the sideline, Santos nods approvingly. For a midfield organizer, maintaining possession under pressure is crucial.
Although Bernardo Silva's physical strength might be lacking, his technical skills are impressive. This is why Guardiola spent over £50 million to bring him to Manchester City.
...
While Vidal doesn't track back to help defend, a very energized Sánchez comes in from the side.
Facing Sánchez's pressure from behind, Bernardo Silva doesn't cling to the ball. He quickly passes it away.
After passing, Sánchez stops his run.
Bernardo Silva passes the ball to William Carvalho, who has come to support. He doesn't stop and continues running forward, ready to receive another pass.
William Carvalho doesn't hold onto the ball either. Without needing to look up, he quickly passes it back to Bernardo Silva.
Then, Bernardo Silva sends a diagonal pass, trying to find Bruno on the right.
This pass nearly cuts through Chile's defense, but at the crucial moment, Pablo Hernández slides in and clears the ball out of bounds before Bruno can get to it.
Bruno gives Bernardo Silva a thumbs up, signaling that the vision was excellent.
...
Throughout the match, Bernardo Silva is highly active in the midfield. He appears everywhere, either receiving and passing the ball or creating opportunities for teammates.
His positioning is very flexible. He can drop back almost to the level of the center-backs or push forward to the attacking midfield position to make the final pass.
Bernardo Silva's wide range of movement surprises Pizzi.
Additionally, Pizzi notices that today, Portugal is not focusing on the wings as much as in previous matches. They aren't frequently sending the ball to the left for Ronaldo to use his speed.
Pizzi, who had prepared for this, feels like he's hitting a cotton wall.
Whether it's Ronaldo on the left or Bruno on the right, they frequently interact with Bernardo Silva in the center.
Santos is pleased with how the team is operating.
Ronaldo's form is good.
For many players, 32 is the twilight of their careers, with performances declining. But Ronaldo, with his disciplined lifestyle, maintains high efficiency at this age.
...
Portugal's tactics always aim for balance on both wings, creating an element of unpredictability. Opponents never know when the team might suddenly shift focus to one side for an intense attack.
Especially with William Carvalho's protection, Bernardo Silva's wide-ranging activities leave Chile's defenders at a loss.
They know he is the key to Portugal's offense, but he moves around unpredictably, striking when least expected.
Santos is satisfied with the team's initial performance. Under Bernardo Silva's guidance, Portugal's attacks are flowing smoothly.
In fact, Santos believes Bruno is the most suitable for the attacking midfield role. Why? Because Bruno has better stamina, is physically stronger, and doesn't shy away from challenges.
His technique may not be the most refined, but it's highly practical.
Santos appreciates Bruno's ability to cover both ends of the pitch. In this regard, Bernardo Silva is slightly lacking.
"Bernardo Silva has recovered well from his injury," says the Portuguese commentator.
...
With Bernardo Silva's tireless efforts, Portugal gradually gains control of the game.
Chilean fans and viewers are bewildered. Wasn't Chile dominating and suppressing Portugal just minutes ago? How did Portugal suddenly take control?
Portugal may not employ an aggressive, high-pressing strategy, but their gradual command of the game's tempo feels like being enveloped in a net, restricting movement.
After an inside cut from the wing, Sánchez's shot is blocked by Fonte, deflecting out for a corner.
Vidal stands at the corner flag, ready to take the corner.
In the box, Sánchez jostles for position, with Fonte sticking close to him.
Fonte's main task today is to mark Sánchez.
Santos has assigned Fonte, familiar with Sánchez from their Premier League encounters, to neutralize Arsenal's key player.
The referee's whistle blows, and Vidal runs up to deliver the corner.
Sánchez anticipates the ball's trajectory and moves to jump, but suddenly feels a sharp pain in his abdomen. Winded, he can't jump.
The ball flies over Sánchez's head and is caught by Portugal's goalkeeper, Patricio.
...
"Sánchez is down in the box, but the referee doesn't blow the whistle. Counterattack opportunity for Portugal!"
Ignoring the fallen Sánchez, the Portuguese capitalize on the opportunity, with Patricio throwing the ball to initiate a counterattack.
"Foul!" Pizzi jumps up, yelling.
"He's faking it," Santos waves his finger, shouting.
The referee ignores the coaches, letting play continue.
"The referee signals nothing happened, play continues."
Sánchez gets up, angrily protesting.
Just as he was about to jump, he felt an elbow in his stomach from Fonte.
Damn it!
He didn't expect this seemingly gentle giant to use such underhanded tactics.
Portugal's counterattack is swift, breaking through midfield and driving towards Chile's box.
"This is Portugal's chance!" The Portuguese commentator shouts excitedly.
Ronaldo, advancing with the ball, tries a one-two with Bernardo Silva.
But Chile's defensive midfielder, Marcelo Díaz, anticipates this move and intercepts the pass. Díaz then passes to the retreating Vidal.
Vidal starts dribbling forward.
...
"Great! Counterattack opportunity!" The Chilean commentator exclaims. Intercepting during a counterattack and launching a counter of their own is often the easiest way to score.
But before the commentator finishes, a claret blur appears on screen, intercepting the ball.
"Bruno Fernandes with the successful tackle."
"Counterattack! Chile's counter is cut off, possession switches again!"
"Now it's Portugal's turn to counterattack!" The Portuguese commentator shouts, "This is why Santos values Bruno so much!"
Many now recognize Santos's admiration for Bruno. He's arguably the player with the second most playing time on the team, just behind goalkeeper Patricio.
Aside from the team's spiritual leader Ronaldo, Bruno is Santos's favorite.
Bruno has played in almost every position except goalkeeper, defender, and center forward. His versatility and relentless work rate, covering the entire pitch, endears him to Santos.
Take this recent interception, for example. As Díaz intercepted the ball, Bruno immediately pressed him.
When Díaz passed to Vidal, Bruno pursued Vidal.
Caught off guard by Bruno's tireless, aggressive pressing, Vidal tried to control the ball but was dispossessed by Bruno.
...
After the interception, Bruno passes to Bernardo Silva and continues his forward run.
Bernardo Silva smoothly pulls the ball with his left foot, then feints with his right, lifting his head to look left.
As everyone expects him to pass to Ronaldo on the left, Bernardo Silva switches the play to the right.
"Brilliant!"
"Smart pass!"
Bruno receives the ball on the right.
This Ballon d'Or winner demonstrates that Portugal is not solely Cristiano Ronaldo's team but also features a superstar named Bruno Fernandes.
(End of Chapter)
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