World Cup 2018: 5 players who let Portugal down

Ronaldo was let down by some of his teammates in Russia

#4 Joao Mario

Mario played down the left wing despite although he isn't a natural winger

Before we discuss Joao Mario’s performance at the World Cup, we have to discuss the form with which he came into the World Cup.

Mario scored three goals and had four assists last season in all competitions for both Inter Milan and West Ham combined. While he was at Inter, he only started 5 games.

Although he isn’t a natural winger, he started three of Portugal’s four games and played down the left wing.

The 25-year-old failed to register a single goal or assist despite playing 261 minutes in Russia. He only played 6 key passes and mustered just one shot which came from outside the box.

One could assume that he was in the team to add more stability defensively but he was dribbled past five times and completed just four of the 9 tackles he went into.

Edited by Sripad