“Had we had half the determination that Cape Verde has, we would have won the game.” This statement, laden with frustration, resonates among the Portuguese living in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, following the national team’s setback at the start of the World Cup. While Portuguese fans fill restaurants and homes to support their team thousands of kilometers from home, the atmosphere is one of disappointment and maximum demand for the upcoming decisive matches.
Portugal’s debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo ended with fierce criticism from the Portuguese diaspora. The match, broadcast on screens in the heart of Querétaro’s historic center, was marked by an apathetic and lackluster performance, contrasting with the enthusiasm felt on the streets of Mexico, where Cristiano Ronaldo reigns: murals, t-shirts, and even café conversations revolve around the number 7 of the national team. However, none of this was enough to hide the poor start of the team led by Roberto Martínez, who failed to meet the extremely high expectations of both the Portuguese and the local community, eager to see Portugal shine on the biggest stage in world football.
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The importance of this result goes far beyond the simple disappointment of an unfortunate debut. For the Portuguese in Mexico, this World Cup represents national pride and a rare opportunity to affirm the quality of Portuguese football before a global audience. The draw (or loss, depending on the actual result of the opening match) against the Democratic Republic of Congo exposed emotional frailties and a lack of fighting spirit, precisely what was seen in the Cape Verde national team – praised by all for their attitude on the field. This contrast led many fans to question the commitment and unity of the national squad, fearing that a repeat of this performance could seriously jeopardize their chances of progressing to the next stage.
The voice of the fans did not take long to be heard. Jorge Ferreira, a Portuguese resident in Querétaro since 2021, did not hold back in criticizing the lack of cohesion in the national team: “You can’t play as a united team with passion. If we had half the passion that Cape Verde has, we would have won the game,” he stated, making a clear call for a change in attitude. Hélder Fernandes, a coach and head of a football academy in Santiago de Querétaro, also expressed his dissatisfaction in statements to Lusa, deeming the first game “too poor” and directly pointing to the “lack of attitude from the players and the coach.” Bruno Nobre, another Portuguese expatriate, described the start as “a disappointment,” emphasizing that “expectations are very high” not only among the Portuguese but also among Mexicans, who have come to see Portugal as one of the most respected national teams in the world.
Despite the heavy atmosphere, there is still hope for redemption in the upcoming challenges. Portugal will take the field again this Tuesday against Uzbekistan, knowing that only victory matters to keep their ambitions of progressing in the competition alive. On Saturday, the clash with Colombia will be the true test of the character and resilience of this team, which urgently needs to demonstrate an attitude befitting the talent it possesses.
The criticisms from the Portuguese diaspora in Mexico serve as a clear warning: without commitment, without a spirit of sacrifice, and without the famous “grit” that captivated the world in previous campaigns, Portugal risks falling far short of its potential. The pressure is now on Cristiano Ronaldo and company, who will have to respond on the field to the demands of the fans and the weight of the national team jersey. The world is watching, and for now, the Portuguese want less showboating and more unity – because, as they say in Querétaro, “it takes just half the grit of Cabo Verde” to get Portugal back on the path to victory.
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