“They have an excuse for everything - they think that they have to match countries of 50 million. Before this World Cup started they were already rolling out the excuses (they seemed sure they weren’t going far, and certainly weren’t going to win it). As a national team they’ve never won much; they are Spain’s envious little brother.”
So USA, Republic of Ireland, Mexico don’t role out excuses? You just must not like Portugal. In 1950, a country with a small population won the World Cup, it hasn’t happened since and may not again. If all you are about is badmouthing Portugal. So be it. I’m sure a season in one of the best leagues on earth won’t put any strains on any babies who are going to be playing in it.
Ireland can never really forgive France for that handball in 2009. Oh lookie here, it’s an excuse, oh dear.
Uruguay won it’s SECOND World Cup in 1950; that little country won the first one in 1930 (and came in 4th in 2010). I never hear them act cheated when they lose; they are adults who understand what a long shot they are to begin with.
The US and Mexico know they are second-rate; nobody expects much of them (including their own countrymen). Ireland is a small country that hasn’t qualified since 2002; they also know that is their lot as a small country.
Portugal should be content that as a province of Spain they do pretty well...