João Cancelo
Defensive output against Spain
Cancelo had one shot (zero on goal) in Monday's 1-0 defeat to Spain.
Analysis: Cancelo had few opportunities to attack during a tough duel between two of the big tournament favorites that ended in a disappointing way for the Portuguese side. The full-back increased his total to 12 clearances across five starts, but he was unable to add to his 15 crosses in that period. Despite starting every game at right-back, he was usually withdrawn before or during the second half, recording 90 minutes only in the opening group match. In terms of goal involvement, the Barcelona man produced zero goals and one assist throughout the tournament.
Four tackles Thursday
Cancelo generated one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 2-1 win against Croatia.
Analysis: Cancelo would get a 63-minute shift Thursday, earning a decent one shot, a chance created and three crosses in the attack to go along with an interception, one clearance and four tackles in the defense. He continues to be a starter for the club and will see decent work with Portugal, liking to get their full-backs further up the pitch. However, the team did see a bit more offensive presence with him off the pitch, something to watch heading into a match against a ball-controlling Spain team.
Logs two crosses, two blocks
Cancelo registered two crosses (zero accurate) and two clearances in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Colombia.
Analysis: Cancelo registered two crosses, two blocks and one interception across his 45 minutes in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Colombia before being replaced at halftime by Diogo Dalot as coach Roberto Martinez made his tactical adjustments for the second period. His ability to contribute in both directions gives Portugal a technically versatile option at right-back, though his replacement at halftime suggests the coaching staff felt a different approach was needed to unlock the Colombian block and that Dalot could offer more going forward against Croatia.
Provides assist for opener
Cancelo assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 5-0 victory against Uzbekistan.
Analysis: Cancelo picked up the assist on Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth-minute opener, whipping a low ball into the box that Ronaldo buried clinically to put Portugal in front early at Houston Stadium. He logged the opening 45 minutes before making way for Nelson Semedo at halftime as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad with Portugal already cruising at 3-0. Cancelo and Portugal now sit on four points in Group K heading into a decisive final group-stage showdown with Colombia.
Five crosses in draw
Cancelo generated five crosses (one accurate) and two tackles in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
Analysis: Cancelo had a second-half goal ruled out for offside in Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo, volleying into the net in the 54th minute after Joao Neves controlled the ball and picked him out inside the area. He was also active in the first half, advancing down the right and sending a low cross toward Cristiano Ronaldo in the 28th minute as Portugal looked to build on its early lead. Cancelo's attacking involvement gave Portugal width and urgency, but the final product was not enough to break down DR Congo after halftime. Cancelo ended the game with five crosses (one accurate), two tackles, one interception and four clearances and will look to contribute more in the second game against Uzbekistan on June 23.
Relentless energy in back line
Cancelo has been named in Portugal's World Cup squad and is expected to be one of the most dynamic and versatile attacking outlets for the Selecao throughout the tournament.
Analysis: Cancelo joined Barcelona on loan in January and made 16 La Liga appearances, scoring two goals and adding two assists before the end of the campaign, demonstrating his quality even after a spell away from top European football with Al Hilal. The experienced international brings a wealth of Champions League and international experience to Portugal's setup, and his ability to play on either flank gives coach Martinez a flexible option that can adapt to different tactical scenarios. Cancelo heads into the World Cup with renewed confidence after his strong second half of the season with Barcelona and will be determined to play a key role for the Selecao this summer.
Nets rare goal
Cancelo scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 3-1 win versus Betis.
Analysis: Cancelo got in on the goalscoring during a 3-1 rout of Betis on Sunday, adding a rare goal during the win. The defender isn't a frequent goalscorer, but he can contribute when he needs to get forward. He only put a single shot on goal during the match, but he made the most of that chance, finishing well.
Clears injury scare
Cancelo (quadriceps) trained normally Thursday and has been cleared fit for Saturday's clash against Getafe after tests confirmed there is no muscular injury following his early substitution against Celta Vigo, according to Sergi Capdevila of Diario Sport.
Analysis: Cancelo had been forced off in the 20th minute of Wednesday's match after feeling discomfort in the lower quadriceps area, but the initial signs on the bench were that it was nothing serious and Thursday's training session confirmed those positive indications. The Portuguese left-back has made the position his own since joining on loan from Al-Hilal this winter, and his availability for the Getafe fixture gives coach Hansi Flick the option of keeping him in the starting lineup, though Alex Balde remains an alternative if the coach decides to exercise caution with the title race entering its decisive phase.
Forced off midweek
Cancelo was subbed off in the first half of Wednesday's match against Celta Vigo due to an injury.
Analysis: Cancelo left his place on the field to Alex Balde in the 23rd minute against Celta. While the severity of Cancelo's issue remains to be determined, it could force him to miss upcoming league fixtures, in which case Balde will likely play in his place. The Portuguese had scored one goal and one assist over his previous nine appearances across domestic and European action before the match against Celta.
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