Roberto Martínez was not impressed with what he saw on the field. In a post-game interview with RTP and Sport TV, he broke down the team’s performance: “This was our worst showing in two years. It wasn’t about the game plan, but about what we didn’t do in a hostile environment.” He acknowledged that the team needs games like this to grow, and Denmark’s effectiveness was a wake-up call.
A tough reality check
The Portuguese team lacked intensity and synchronization, allowing Denmark to take control. Martínez pointed out that his team suffered from defensive individual actions and lost the ball too many times. Despite being in the quarterfinals of the Nations League, this performance didn’t meet their standards. “We need our fans’ support in Alvalade to show our true level,” he added.
The team’s inability to execute its game plan was a major issue. “We have to think of this as the first half,” Martínez said. “Denmark had a clear strategy to launch quick attacks and overload the center of the field. We were late to respond, but the defensive individual efforts from Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, and Diogo Costa kept us in the game.”
A chance to redeem themselves
Martínez emphasized that the team needs to control the game, score goals, and show a better attitude. With a second chance to turn things around, he’s counting on the team’s supporters to make a difference. The next game will be a test of the team’s character, and Martínez is looking for a stronger performance. As he put it, “We need our fans to help us show our level.”
