Portugal, without talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, lost 2-0 to Switzerland in their opening World Cup qualifier.
Cédric attempts a cross into the Swiss box
In only their second game since beating hosts France to win Euro 2016 (they beat Gibraltar 5-0 in a friendly last week), Fernando Santos’ men were undone by two first-half goals from Breel Embolo and Admir Mehmedi in the Sankt Jakob Stadion.
Portugal lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, with Nani, Bernardo Silva and Éder forming the attacking triumvirate. Nani – so effective as Ronaldo’s lieutenant during the Euros – failed to step up to the mark and lead his team to victory.
Star man Cristiano Ronaldo is still recovering from the knee injury that forced him out of July’s final against France, having only returned to training with Real Madrid a few weeks ago.
There was English interest in the Portugal line-up, with Southampton defenders Jose Fonte and Cédric starting for Santos’ side.
Story of Portugal’s night – Fonte is beaten to the ball by Granit Xhaka
Suffice to say it wasn’t the best 90 minutes for the Saints pair, although the same could be said of all players in a Portugal jersey.
Cédric in particular made numerous attempts to get forward and fire in crosses, but all too often they were misplaced or easily cleared by the Swiss defence.
In contrast, some of the club’s youngsters put in sterling performances in England U21s’ 6-1 win over Norway.
Matt Targett, James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond all shone under the watchful eye of England manager Sam Allardyce, and the Saints were quick to congratulate their boys.
It wasn’t a good night for Santos and his men
Fonte and Cédric will be back in action this weekend for the Saints against Arsenal, when they will try to help their side climb up from their position of 15th after a poor start to the season.
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