Ronaldo Went Missing in Miami: Portugal’s Draw Feels Like a Loss (And What SA Can Learn From It)

Eish, Cristiano Ronaldo looked like he was shopping at Takealot during the second half against Colombia – and it almost cost Portugal dearly. A 2-2 draw in Miami? Against *Colombia*? That’s not the kind of preparation you want heading into Euro 2024, bru. It felt less like a European champion flexing and more like a Sunday league team after a few too many Castle Lights. Let’s break down what went wrong, what it means for Portugal, and, importantly, what Bafana Bafana could actually learn from this. ## So, What Actually Happened in Miami? The match itself was a proper ding-dong battle. Colombia took the lead, Portugal equalized, Colombia went ahead again, and then…well, Portugal scrambled a late equalizer. It wasn’t a dominant performance by any stretch. Colombia, playing with a fire that looked suspiciously like they were still smarting from a braai that went wrong, pressed relentlessly. The flow of the game was consistently disrupted, a lot of niggly fouls, and a general lack of composure from the Portuguese midfield. It wasn’t a pretty sight, and honestly, it looked like Portugal were hoping to nick a win rather than earn one. ## The Player Ratings: Who Shone (And Who Went AWOL)? Right, let's be real. Some players showed up, others…didn’t. * **Colombia:** Jhon Durán was a menace, constantly causing problems for the Portugal defence. He looked like a guy who'd happily tackle a rhino. Their midfielders were all over the park. * **Portugal:** Bruno Fernandes was bright, showing flashes of creativity. João Félix had moments. But… * **Cristiano Ronaldo:** Jislaaik. A 4/10 feels generous. He was largely invisible in the second half. He had a couple of decent runs, but looked a shadow of his former self. Honestly, you could've put my oom in there and gotten a similar result. ## Ronaldo's Shocking Dip: Is the King Losing His Touch? This is the big one, isn't it? Last season, Ronaldo was banging in goals for Al-Nassr. But against Colombia, he looked…tired. Slow. Disinterested, even. It’s not about the goals he’s *not* scoring, it’s about the space he’s *not* creating, the runs he’s *not* making. The guy is a legend, no doubt, but legends eventually fade. It’s a harsh truth, but a truth nonetheless. Is this just a blip? Maybe. But if this is the new normal, Portugal are in kak. ## Colombia's Midfield Masterclass: A Lesson for SA? Colombia's midfield was relentless. They didn’t give Portugal’s playmakers a second to breathe. They won tackles, broke up play, and launched attacks with speed and precision. It was a masterclass in intensity and tactical discipline. Now, let’s be honest, Bafana Bafana could learn a thing or two from this. We’re good on flair, but we often lack that grit, that sheer refusal to be beaten. We need more players willing to put their bodies on the line, to fight for every ball, to play with that same Colombian intensity. Maybe a few more sessions with a proper boot camp instructor, hey? ## Tactical Takeaways: What Did Portugal Do Wrong? Portugal’s setup felt… disjointed. They lacked a cohesive plan, and their substitutions didn't seem to have the desired impact. The formation didn’t suit the players, and they struggled to create clear-cut chances. It felt like they were relying too heavily on Ronaldo to produce magic, and when he didn’t deliver, the whole team floundered. It was a tactical befok, plain and simple. They need to sort this out, and fast. ## What Does This Mean for Euro 2024? (And SA’s World Cup Dreams?) This performance raises serious questions about Portugal’s chances at Euro 2024. They are still a talented team, but they need to address these issues before the tournament kicks off. They need to find a way to play as a team, to create chances without relying solely on Ronaldo, and to defend with more conviction. As for Bafana Bafana, the lesson is clear: intensity matters. We need to match our opponents’ physicality and work rate if we want to stand a chance of qualifying for the World Cup. It’s not enough to have skillful players; we need players who are willing to fight for the badge. ## The Bottom Line: Is Portugal Still a Force? Right now? Honestly, I’m not convinced. They’re still a good team, but they’re not the force they once were. They’re vulnerable, and they’re relying too heavily on a player who is past his prime. They need to rediscover their hunger, their tactical discipline, and their team spirit if they want to be contenders at Euro 2024. They have the talent, but talent alone isn't enough. Portugal needs to seriously re-evaluate their game plan, and quickly. Otherwise, they risk becoming another former champion fading into obscurity. But here’s the kicker: could this be the wake-up call they needed? Or are we witnessing the beginning of the end for Portugal’s golden generation? Click here to find out what the experts are saying about the future of Portuguese football – and whether we should start writing off Ronaldo and co. already.