Portugal solved its last problem with more skill than game in Leiria. Nigeria, a physical and competitive team if there ever was one, did not invite exhibition. Not at all. And it was demonstrated in a match with more shadows than lights for Roberto Martínez’s team. Among all that darkness, Conceiçao shone. The Juve player settled the matter with a great goal with fifteen minutes left. Until then, intermittency in the game and the absence of many of its stars was a constant in the Portuguese team.
Perhaps because no one wants to take unnecessary risks in the countdown to the World Cup. Or maybe it is because Portugal, like so many other candidates, offers more names than game. Roberto Martínez’s team dominated in spurts, taking advantage with a good shot by Neto midway through the first act. Nigeria reacted, stripping the Portuguese defense as many times as it could run into space. Akor Adams equalized in an even first half.
Okoye was the resistance
So was the one that followed the walk through the locker room, although here, in between the carousel of changes, Conceiçao stood out. Supported by Joao Félix, who hit the crossbar with a shot, the Juve footballer asked for a place in Roberto Martínez’s team with a great goal. He came out of a wing control to thread the ball next to Okoye’s long post.
The Nigerian goalkeeper offered a wide repertoire of saves to soften his rival’s blow. Because Portugal, with less play than expected, continues to have so much quality that very little is enough to generate danger. She is another of those candidates who, due to quality, is obliged to be a protagonist in this World Cup.