The international break can be great for players, but almost worrisome for clubs like Barcelona. Injuries are a common occurrence that may take place during such breaks, and Barcelona is not exactly keen on having to endure any more of them.
However, this time around, the stars in Portugal shined quite brightly. 29-year-old fullback Joao Cancelo and 23-year-old forward Joao Felix were both summoned by Roberto Martinez. Their call-up was expected, and their performance was more than commendable.
Portuguese Dominance
In their recent clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina, as highlighted by SPORT, both Barcelona stars impressed. Felix was involved in several goals while Cancelo showcased a new dimension to his game. Both players even ended up leaving the game with a goal each.
Fabulous Felix
His contributions would not stop there, as the last goal of the night came through Felix himself. Running into a great position in front of the opponent’s goal, Felix showcased his brilliant technique. Controlling the ball with relative ease, he positioned himself well enough to then use the outside of his right foot to slot away the fifth goal for Portugal.
The 5-0 scoreline perfectly justified the Portuguese dominance in Zenica. The first goal came through a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, one which was initially won by Joao Felix. The Barcelona forward then went on to assist the second goal scored through Ronaldo once again, with a defense splitting through-ball.
Cancelo Control
In the case of Joao Cancelo, on the other hand, the fullback played on the left this time around. Previously reported to be an option that Xavi could one day utilize, Cancelo showcased just how effective it can be.
116 touches to help control the game, alongside a 93% pass accuracy, Cancelo was quite prominent. Moreover, he took one shot throughout the game, and what a strike it turned out to be. Running in from the left flank, a mistimed shot by Ronaldo let the ball run towards Cancelo who then struck it powerfully and accurately enough to see it hit the top corner of the Bosnian goal with great speed.
Lethal Left
Interestingly, both Felix and Cancelo occupied the same flank for this game. With the fullback operating from the left and Joao Felix as the primary left-winger, the duo looked dangerous.
The Barcelona stars are now expected to regroup with Xavi and the rest of the first team soon. With a successful international break under wraps now, one which saw Portugal guarantee their journey to the 2024 Euros, all attention will now be back on helping FC Barcelona overcome their own massive hurdles up ahead.
