Portugal's player of the tournament
Portugal’s journey at Euro 2024 has come to an end after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to France, and the dissection of the tournament now begins in earnest.
In a competition where Portugal failed to score in their final 330 minutes of football, losing to Georgia 2-0 before drawing 0-0 to both Slovenia and France, it certainly wasn't Portugal’s attack that stole the show. Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of Euro 2024 without a goal, his missed penalty against Slovakia his only major goalscoring opportunity, while Rafael Leão, despite being so thrilling on the left wing, also failed to get on the score sheet.
Indeed, Portugal scored just 5 goals this tournament - Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Chico Conceição getting one each, with the other two conversions for the Seleção being own goals.
Truth be told, there were few moments that got Portuguese supporters off their seats, the dramatic last-gasp win over Czechia, the 3-0 thrashing of Türkiye, and Diogo Costa’s penalty heroics perhaps the three standouts in what was an underwhelming campaign for Portugal in the end.
Diogo Costa is certainly a candidate for player of the tournament for Portugal, his immense stop late in extra time against Slovenia salvaging Portugal’s European adventure when they needed him most, before three penalty saves in the resultant shootout that were as extraordinary as they were historic.
Vitinha also deserves to be in the discussion. A joy to watch in midfield, he carried the ball with such dynamism, weaving through players as he showed such composure on the ball. Vitinha looked to make things happen and controlled the tempo in midfield and has become one of Portugal's most integral players.
But the man of the tournament for the Seleção, without doubt, is surely the legendary, record-breaking Pepe. At 41 years old, Pepe became the oldest footballer to ever play at a European Championship - yet despite his advanced years, he barely put a foot wrong as he fully lived up to his idol status.
Pepe played no part in Portugal’s shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia, but played almost the entirety of the rest of the tournament. In his four matches, Portugal kept three clean sheets and conceded just once, that wonderful long-range Czechia strike in Portugal's opening game the only goal the Seleção suffered in five and a half hours of football with Pepe on the field.
Watching him master his craft 17 years on from his Portugal debut against Finland in 2007 has been a joy to behold as he continues to defy the ageing process, overshadowing his much younger counterpart Ruben Dias at the heart of defence. Every ball delivered into the box was headed clear, every player that took him on dealt with appropriately.
He may lost a yard of pace, but his defensive instincts, understanding of the game and positional awareness ensured he was able to match even the quickest of players, his recovery run and tackle against the pacey Thuram of France a sensational bit of defending, a footrace and battle Pepe really had not right in winning against a player 15 years his junior. His celebrations after pulling off the stunt shows just what it means to him, and how much he cares for his nation.
His best display was perhaps against Türkiye though, where he was a rock at the back. Balls were delivered into the area at an alarming rate, but Pepe was seemingly in the right place at the right time on every occasion to clear the danger. His sliding tackle to deny a Türkiye attack was perhaps the highlight, and when he was substituted late on, received a standing ovation not just from Portugal fans, but Türkiye supporters too.
If this is the last time we get to see Pepe play for Portugal at a major tournament, it will be the end of a sensational era and a moment of great sadness for the nation. Legend, idol, superstar.
Pepe, thank you for everything.
