Portugal faced strong criticism after their 0-0 draw with Mexico last Saturday.
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The performance drew reactions from major figures, including Jose Mourinho, who highlighted the team’s struggles without Cristiano Ronaldo.
He said Portugal looked ordinary without their star, lacking danger and failing to trouble the opposition.
However, Tuca Ferretti went even further with his assessment, delivering a much harsher verdict on the team.
Tuca Ferretti does not hold back in Portugal criticism
Photo credit should read ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty ImagesMourinho had already set the tone by suggesting Portugal lacked identity without Ronaldo and struggled to create meaningful chances.
Ferretti, speaking as an analyst, took a more direct approach when reacting to the same performance.
He said on ESPN: “Before the game, we said Portugal was way ahead of us [Mexico]. One thing that their coach said was that they were about to become world champions. With this poor football that they played today, they don’t even make it to the quarter-finals. Portugal are a disappointment for me. Disappointment.”
Ferretti’s opinion carries weight given his long-standing influence in Mexican football.
He is one of the most decorated managers in the country’s history, winning multiple league titles and enjoying a highly successful spell with Tigres.
He also managed the Mexico national team on several occasions as interim coach and remains a respected voice in the game.
His criticism is just another reflection of broader concerns about Portugal’s consistency and ability to meet expectations on the international stage.
Portugal face pressure to respond against the United States
Attention now turns to Portugal’s upcoming friendly against the United States at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, 31 March.
The match presents an opportunity to respond to growing criticism and reshape public perception of the team.
Roberto Martinez is expected to consider changes, potentially bringing in players like Vitinha and Joao Neves.
There could also be opportunities for others, such as Joao Cancelo and Pedro Neto, to feature more prominently.
Portugal will need a stronger performance to ease doubts and demonstrate their attacking quality.
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