KAZAN, Russia -- Claudio Bravo stood under the Kazan lights and gazed at Ricardo Quaresma, taking the longest walk you can possibly take on a football pitch: from the halfway line, enveloped in the embrace of your teammates, to the solitude of the penalty spot, with only a ball and your thoughts for company.
Moments earlier, Arturo Vidal had slammed the ball past Rui Patricio to give Portugal the lead, celebrating with a fist pump and a glance at his yellow-clad teammate who stood off to the side of the goal.
This was a time to be strong.