Roberto Martínez Highlights Exceptional Play of the National Team Encourages Fans to Enjoy
Roberto Martínez, the head coach of the Portuguese national football team, aims to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The pivotal match against Hungary is set for October 14 at José Alvalade Stadium. A victory will guarantee Portugal’s spot in the upcoming tournament.
Encouraging Positive Fan Engagement
During a press conference on October 13 at the City of Football, Martínez emphasized the importance of enjoying the upcoming match while minimizing doubts following recent criticism. His remarks came after a hard-fought win against Ireland on October 11. He stated, “Criticism is part of the game, but it should be more informed with statistics.”
Team Performance Insights
Martínez praised his team’s attacking and defensive capabilities. He suggested that rather than focusing solely on outcomes, fans should appreciate the quality of play. “We have a team that performs excellently and is committed,” he noted. He reinforced that the players deserve more respect for their efforts.
- Portugal has achieved 13 consecutive wins in qualifying matches.
- This feat had never been accomplished before in their European Championship and World Cup qualifiers.
The coach pointed out that the emotional aspect of the game plays a crucial role. He recalled the tremendous energy at Alvalade during the match against Ireland and expressed his desire for a repeat performance. “Tomorrow, we want that energy again to win and secure qualification in front of our supporters,” he asserted.
Analysis of Recent Matches
Reflecting on the match against Ireland, Martínez defended his team’s performance. He pointed out that defensively, the squad was exemplary, preventing any shots on target from Ireland. “The issue wasn’t creating chances; we just needed to score earlier,” he explained. He highlighted that the team had an expected goals (xG) figure of 3.75, showcasing their offensive volume in that game.
As Portugal prepares to face a well-organized Hungarian team, Martínez urged full attention. “Hungary is lethal in counterattacks,” he cautioned.
Player Focus: Vitinha and João Neves
Turning to the squad’s midfield, Martínez shared his thoughts on players Vitinha and João Neves. He dismissed comments from Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente, who claimed Pedri is the best midfielder in the world. “Vitinha is the best midfielder for me, with João Neves in contention as well,” he asserted. Martínez emphasized that Vitinha’s performance in the UEFA Champions League speaks volumes, enhancing his credentials.
Prior to Martínez’s address, Vitinha expressed his excitement about the chance to secure World Cup qualification at home. He acknowledged the significance of the moment and shared his hopes of scoring his first international goal. “The perfect moment? Tomorrow, or maybe in the World Cup final,” he joked. He maintained his focus on the team’s success over individual accolades, stating, “If it comes, great; if it doesn’t, as long as we win, it’s all good.”
