Portuguese Fans in Mexico Slam Team ‘Egos’ After WC Opener
PORTUGUESE fans living in Mexico have launched a scathing critique of their national team’s World Cup opener, labeling the performance “too bad” and demanding the squad show the same “grit” as underdog nations like Cape Verde when they face Uzbekistan today.
In the city of Santiago de Querétaro, a semi-desert hub 200 kilometers from Mexico City, the small but passionate Portuguese community has been glued to television screens in the historic center. While the city’s Corregidora Stadium is not hosting matches, the local fervor for the Seleção das Quinas is undeniable. Murals of Cristiano Ronaldo adorn the streets, and locals of all ages can be seen sporting the iconic number seven jersey.
However, that local affection was tested by Portugal’s disappointing draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It’s the eternal story of the national team,” said Jorge Ferreira, a resident since 2021. “It’s a team of egos, and some of those egos are creating a bad atmosphere. If we had half the grit that Cape Verde has, we would have won that game.”
‘Lack of Attitude’
Hélder Fernandes, a professional football coach and academy founder in Querétaro, echoed the frustration, blaming a “lack of attitude” from both the players and head coach Roberto Martínez. Local resident Bruno Nobre added that while expectations are sky-high—not just among expats but also among their Mexican neighbors—the tournament start was a “bitter disappointment.”
Despite the rocky start, the community remains divided on the team’s prospects for today’s clash with Uzbekistan and the final group stage match against Colombia on June 27. “With the right mentality combined with our quality, we can bring the trophy home,” Fernandes insisted. Ferreira suggested the players might use the stinging criticism as fuel: “The eleven chosen will want to take revenge for all the comments.”
Logistics and Legacy
The fans also voiced opinions on the unique nature of this three-nation North American World Cup. Jorge Ferreira criticized the spread of matches across the continent, arguing that for the tournament to make sense, it should be held in a single country. He particularly noted that Mexico, despite its rich football history, is hosting only 13 games.
In contrast, Bruno Nobre suggested the joint organization was a necessity. “Mexico is not prepared to organize a World Cup on its own right now; it doesn’t have the infrastructure,” he said, despite the country’s history as a two-time host in 1970 and 1986.
As Portugal prepares for its final group stage match against Colombia on Saturday, the Corregidora Stadium will host a social gathering for the local Portuguese community. Though তারা (they) number fewer than 100 in the city, the expats say they will follow the match with the energy of a full stadium, hoping for an “aggressive attacking game” that secures their place in the knockout rounds.
Image: Pexels – Omar Ramadan
