Portugal's Football Success: Coach Martinez Praises Squad Depth and Preparation

Trainer Roberto Martinez expresses his satisfaction with the newfound depth and competitiveness of the Portuguese national football team. Following a convincing 3-1 victory against Poland in the Nations League, the goal of the 2026 World Cup is increasingly in focus. Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal ahead by halftime, before an own goal by Jan Bednarek sealed the win, despite a temporary goal from Poland's midfielder Piotr Zielinski. Martinez, who has been at the helm since January 2023, emphasizes the positive development and outstanding performance in a challenging environment. The debuts of new talents like Renato Veiga and Samuel Costa, who have both recently joined the team, underscore the fresh breeze in the squad. With a record of nine points, Portugal leads Group A of the Nations League, closely followed by Croatia. Particularly highlighted is the strategic player management, with Ronaldo being substituted in the 63rd minute to better manage the load in a tight schedule. This measure allows other players like Diogo Jota to showcase their skills on the field. Martinez emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, which enables an efficient introduction and integration of new players. Debutants Veiga and Costa received their first opportunities in the national jersey in the match against Poland. Veiga, who transferred to Chelsea in July, proved a stable partner alongside Ruben Dias. Martinez praised the harmony between the two defenders and regarded it as a decisive factor in the defense against Poland's star striker Robert Lewandowski.