“Ensuring qualification in front of our fans.” This is Roberto Martínez’s objective for the national team’s game this Tuesday (14), at 7:45 pm, at the José Alvalade Stadium, against Hungary, in which A victory guarantees Portugal’s direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
In a press conference at Cidade do Futebol this Monday, October 13th, the national coach asked that the moment be lived with more pleasure and less distrust after criticism of the hard-fought victory against Ireland in the same stadium last Saturday (11).
“Criticism is part of it, but I would like it to be more informed, with more statistics”, said the coach. “The team attacks and defends well. We need to enjoy it. We have a national team that plays hard and well, we have committed players. Let’s enjoy this“, asked the Spaniard, stressing that “there is no perfect team, but these players deserve more respect for what they are doing”.
The Spaniard recalled that Portugal has 13 consecutive victories in qualifying stages between matches for the European championship and the World Cup, “something that had never been done”, and guaranteed that the group arrives “well and focused” for the game with the Hungarians. “The emotional aspect is important in every game. Against Ireland there was incredible energy in Alvalade, and tomorrow we want that strength again, to win and guarantee qualification in front of our fans.”
Regarding the offensive performance in the match against Ireland, Martínez defended his team “Without the ball we were exemplary. We didn’t let Ireland have shots on goal, nor did we have corners or throw-ins in our field. The problem wasn’t creating, it was not having scored early. We had a expected goals of 3.75, which shows the offensive volume we had”, he explained, adding that “Hungary is a very well organized team, lethal on the counterattack”, and that “total attention” will be required.
Asked about another goal from a player who plays in Saudi Arabia – in this case, Ruben Neves against the Irish – the coach rejected the idea that the league in which each player plays influences his decisions. “The goal is a consequence of good collective play. The league they play in is not important. What counts is the attitude and commitment of the athletes who are here.”
The Spanish coach also spoke about his midfield men, especially Vitinha and João Neves. Asked about a statement by Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente, who stated that Pedri is the best midfielder in the world, Martínez was adamant and defended the PSG duo: “Mister De la Fuente is right in saying that his players are the best, but for me Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world, just as João Neves is among them. In terms of statistics, Vitinha had the best season in the Champions League, which is the best competition in the world. Of course it’s subjective, but, in numbers, it was the best”, he highlighted.
Vitinha hopeful for first goal
Before Martínez, it was exactly the midfielder praised by the Spanish coach who was chosen to speak at Cidade do Futebol. Vitinha shared the coach’s confidence and spoke of a group excited about the possibility of guaranteeing qualification this Tuesday, at home. “We have this very much in our heads: It’s a great opportunity to qualify for the World Cup and prepare for the November internship with ease“.
Still without goals in 33 matches for the national team, Vitinha also spoke about the expectation of scoring for the first time for Portugal. “Perfect moment? Tomorrow. Or in the World Cup final”, joked the midfielder. “But it’s not something I force. Obviously I would like it and it will happen when it has to. If it happens very well, if it doesn’t happen, as long as we win, everything is fine”, he added.