Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese national team midfielder and key figure, has been at the center of tactical discussions following Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Colombia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match, played on September 7, 2023, at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, saw Silva’s role questioned by some analysts, with the Portuguese media labeling him “la víctima táctica” (the tactical victim) due to his perceived lack of impact in midfield. Silva himself addressed the debate in a post-match interview, emphasizing his focus on the team’s upcoming challenge against Croatia.
What happened in the match against Colombia?
Portugal’s draw with Colombia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to break through a resilient defense. Silva, who started the match, was criticized for his limited creative output, as Portugal’s midfield lacked the fluidity seen in previous campaigns. According to match statistics from Opta, Silva completed 78% of his passes but was dispossessed four times, the highest in the Portuguese lineup. Portuguese football journalist Pedro Ferreira, writing for Record, noted that Silva’s positioning “left gaps in midfield that Colombia exploited effectively.”
The goal for Portugal came from a set piece, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 120th international goal, a record for European players. However, Silva’s absence of a decisive moment in the game fueled speculation about his role under manager Fernando Santos. “We need to adapt, and Bernardo knows that,” Santos said in a press conference, according to Notícias ao Minuto. “His experience is vital, but we must find the right balance.”
Why is Silva’s tactical role under scrutiny?
The phrase “víctima táctica” (tactical victim) originated from a MARCA article that analyzed Silva’s performance, highlighting his tendency to drop deeper than expected. The Spanish outlet suggested that Silva’s movement “reduced his effectiveness in transition,” a criticism echoed by some Portuguese analysts. However, Silva defended his approach in an interview with Diario AS, stating, “I play where the team needs me. My focus is on helping Portugal win, not on individual statistics.”
Former Portuguese international Rui Costa, now a coach, offered a different perspective. “Bernardo is a player who adapts to the system,” Costa told ESPN Portugal
