The air was thick with anticipation. Fans were buzzing, waiting for the starting lineup against Hungary in the World Cup 2026 qualifier. When coach Roberto Martínez finally revealed his choices for the 7:45 PM kickoff, a few things certainly caught attention. Martínez, speaking to RTP, soon cleared up the biggest questions, explaining his decision to leave João Félix out and detailing the new tactical plan, which notably included Rúben Neves playing as a central defender.
The João Félix Question
It was the first point everyone wanted to know: why no João Félix in the starting eleven? Martínez kept it simple, focusing on the bigger picture. He stressed that what truly matters is how players perform once they step onto the field. He pointed out that this game against Hungary called for a strategy quite different from the one used against Armenia. The coach hopes every player will enjoy their role in this new approach. He believes the starting team is well-balanced. Crucially, Martínez reminded everyone that players waiting on the bench are just as vital to the team’s success. Being on the field, for him, isn’t just about starting; it’s about making an impact whenever the chance comes.
A New Tactical Playbook
Martínez then dove into the specifics of Portugal’s tactical setup for the night. His main goal was twofold: shut down Hungary’s dangerous counter-attacks and control the pace of the game. To achieve this, he unveiled a defensive line of five players. João Cancelo and Pedro Neto would stretch wide on the flanks. Inside, a trio featuring Rúben Neves, Rúben Dias, and Nuno Mendes would handle central duties, ready to be freed up for positional play.
The coach also highlighted how he planned to use the more advanced players. Bernardo Silva’s cleverness in tight spaces would be key, with Bruno Fernandes playing close to the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. Up front, the pairing of Vitinha and João Neves was chosen for their quick movement, adaptability, and pure skill.
Rúben Neves: A Midfielder at the Back
Perhaps the most talked-about tactical shift was placing Rúben Neves, a natural midfielder, in a central defensive role within the back-three. Martínez explained his thinking behind this unconventional move. He clarified that it was essential to have players in that defensive line who truly understand the midfield game. The team needed to push into areas on the field that usually belong to midfielders.
Martínez noted that Neves had played in a back-three at his club before. However, the role tonight was slightly different. The coach needed Neves to use his incredible versatility, contributing both when the team had the ball and when they didn’t. This unique placement, Martínez believes, will significantly help keep the team steady and balanced throughout the match.