Why Bernardo Silva is not playing Portugal vs Colombia
Bernardo Silva is not in Portugal's starting lineup against Colombia because Roberto Martinez dropped him for tactical reasons after a subdued World Cup opener, not injury. The Real Madrid midfielder is fit but benched as Martinez sticks with the attack that routed Uzbekistan 5-0 for the Group K decider.
The rafael leo storyline mirrors Silva's situation: Rafael Leao is also among Martinez's substitutes for the Hard Rock Stadium clash in Miami.
Key Takeaways
- Bernardo Silva's omission is purely tactical; he is fit and available as a substitute.
- Martinez benched Silva after hooking him at halftime in the 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
- Rafael Leao also starts on the bench as Felix and Neto hold the wide roles.
- A win tops Group K and sets up a round-of-32 tie with Ghana; second place likely means Croatia.
- Joao Neves is also out of the XI, with Ruben Neves starting in midfield.
Portugal face Colombia on Matchday 3 of Group K with first place on the line. Fans searching why Bernardo Silva is not playing got a clear answer from Martinez's team sheet: the coach is sticking with the lineup that produced a 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan rather than restoring stars who struggled earlier in the tournament.
Why did Roberto Martinez bench Bernardo Silva?
According to Diario AS, Bernardo Silva paid the price for Portugal's lackluster performance against DR Congo in their opening group game. Martinez replaced him at halftime in that 1-1 draw, sending on Francisco Conceicao rather than Joao Felix.
The midfielder then remained on the bench for Tuesday's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan and stayed there for Saturday's Colombia clash. AS reports there is no suggestion of an injury — the decision is entirely tactical.
How does Rafael Leao fit into Portugal's lineup puzzle?
World Soccer Talk reports that Leao will start on the bench due to a tactical call from Martinez, who has used the AC Milan forward primarily as a reserve through the tournament's first two matches.
Leao logged just 19 minutes off the bench against DR Congo and 13 minutes against Uzbekistan, though he still scored the final goal of the 5-0 rout in the 87th minute. Martinez has opted for Joao Felix on the left wing and Pedro Neto on the right, with Bruno Fernandes operating centrally behind Ronaldo.
YSscores notes that Bernardo Silva also faces competition from Conceicao and Rafael Leao for attacking minutes. Felix's standout display alongside Ronaldo — rekindling their Al-Nassr club chemistry — has made it harder for Silva to reclaim a starting role.
What lineup is Martinez trusting against Colombia?
Portugal's attack again features Felix, Neto, and Fernandes supporting Ronaldo up front. Martinez appears reluctant to alter a formula that broke a scoring drought: Ronaldo netted twice against Uzbekistan after a 10-game goal drought in major tournaments with Portugal.
Another surprise omission is Joao Neves. AS reports the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has been left out, with Ruben Neves starting against Colombia instead.
What is at stake for Portugal in Group K?
A victory over Colombia would see Portugal top Group K and face Ghana in the round of 32, per AS. A defeat would almost certainly leave them second, setting up a likely meeting with Croatia.
YSscores suggests Martinez is likely to continue relying on the lineup that excelled against Uzbekistan, making Colombia an important test for whether that approach holds against a tougher opponent. For broader coverage of how innovation is changing global events, explore our Future Tech & AI Wonders section.