Quaresma Slams Portugal's World Cup Exit: 'We Gifted the Match to Spain'

Ricardo Quaresma, a former Portuguese national football player, has sharply criticized the national team's performance following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Everyone said this team was the best in Portugal's history, but what did they win? The midfield has very talented players, but they were very weak in this tournament. The attack was also ineffective, and the defense was disorganized.

Quaresma, who was following the tournament with the 'LiveMode' team, expressed disappointment, stating that the team did not play as expected. "Everyone said this team was the best in Portugal's history, but what did they win?" he questioned. He highlighted a lack of effectiveness in the midfield and attack, and a disorganized defense. "Nothing went right from start to finish. Today, we gifted the match to Spain. We were slow, unmotivated, just wandering around," Quaresma asserted.

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Nothing went right from start to finish. Today, we gifted the match to Spain. We were slow, unmotivated, just wandering around.

Ruben Dias, a player on the current team, defended their performance, saying, "I feel we are making progress. The match against Croatia wasn't perfect, but it was an important test. This was one of the best matches I've played against Spain." However, Quaresma disagreed, criticizing the team's excessive sideways and backward passing. "Possession alone doesn't win matches," he stated, urging the use of more individual skills from players like Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, and Francisco. Dias responded that "good football isn't just about attacking or dribbling. It's also about controlling the game, maintaining balance, and waiting for the right moment."

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I feel we are making progress. The match against Croatia wasn't perfect, but it was an important test. This was one of the best matches I've played against Spain.

The exchange concluded with both players shaking hands, but the differing views highlight a tension between experienced critique and current team defense.

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You passed sideways and backward too much. Possession alone doesn't win matches. You have players like Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, and Francisco who are effective one-on-one, you should use these qualities more.