Time for another Seleção match thread! Portugal vs Switzerland, the final group stage match of Euro 2008. Some might be wondering: why this match? Most of the first choice players remained on the bench for this one since Portugal had already qualified for the quarterfinals.

To me, the match was the writing on the wall: Portugal were about to go through a very dry patch before emerging on the other side as champions in Euro 2016. This match featured a host of 2nd string options who would soon after be first string for much of the next 7-8 yrs.

Many of these guys are the "forgotten generation" which I speak about often. Also, fun fact, many were on the 2004 Olympics team which was unexpectedly beaten in the group stage by the likes of Iraq and Costa Rica. Maybe that was actually the writing on the wall? Tough to say.

I'm amazed at several things - 1. How little influence Quaresma had. One would think his skill would be necessary to create space down the wing & there are a few tricks & flicks, but aside from one shot on goal this match revealed why RQ was a better sub for Portugal.

2. Helder Postiga. That guy, lol. Couldn't dribble past a statue, a problem which continued throughout his tenure for Portugal, but he still should have been credited with the opener. He was wrongly judged to have been offside. No VAR back then of course.

3. Nani. More influence than Quaresma, but how in the world did he miss that 2nd half chance? All alone with the keeper, goes near post and "clank," off the edge of the upright. That was Nani, but he made good eight years later.

4. Bruno Alves' only appearance of the tournament. His partnership with Pepe wasn't mature yet, but a good harbinger of things to come as they would form a decent partnership over the years.

5. Ricardo. In this match, really the whole tournament, he didn't look as self-assured as in the past & it isn't surprising this was his last tournament finals with Portugal. He made some good saves against the Swiss, but his "command" of the penalty area lacked confidence IMO.

Raul Meireles and Veloso were both really young in this match and our midfield set-up (w/Fernando Meira as the DM) lacked poise and failed to dictate any kind of passing rhythm. Amazed at how much Meireles/Veloso improved by Euro 2012.

Entertaining enough, but Switzerland took advantage of the opportunities they had, winning 2-0, Portugal didn't: a story that played out quite a few times for this group. They needed Cristiano! Fun to go back in time and watch this group of players again.