Futsal coach Jorge Braz sees more than just warm-up games. He calls the upcoming matches with Croatia “golden opportunities.” These games are crucial for Portugal’s growth and innovation. They serve as key practice for the Euro2026 tournament. The team will play Croatia on Saturday and Monday.
Braz shared his thoughts this past Friday, speaking through the Portuguese Football Federation. He stressed that this marks the start of a new sports season. It’s time to get back into old routines and rebuild team chemistry. “These two competitive chances are very interesting for us,” he explained. “They help us improve, find new ways to play, and grow as a unit, all with the European Championship in mind.”
The coach highlighted the importance of a strong competitive spirit. He also gave a sharp look at their Croatian opponents. “Croatia had a perfect qualification round,” Braz noted. “They secured six wins and eighteen points.” He described their players as “high-quality” and “physically powerful.” When the game goes their way, he added, they “know how to control both the play and the score with great skill.” Braz wants his own players to be “organized, energetic, and thoughtful in every move they make.”
Portugal’s captain, Tiago Brito, agrees with the assessment. He predicts “two tough games” ahead. He believes Portugal will need to perform at their “absolute peak capacity.” The national team gathered on Sunday for their first training camp of the new season. They are set to face Croatia on Monday and Wednesday in Vila do Conde.
A couple of changes hit the roster recently. Rúben Góis, from Rio Ave, and Pedro Santos, from Sporting, received late call-ups. They stepped in for injured players Erick Mendonça, who plays for FC Barcelona, and Neves, from Sporting de Braga. Both Góis and Santos joined the team for training today. All this preparation points towards the next European Championship. This major tournament is scheduled from January 20 to February 7, 2026. It will be held across three nations: Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia.