Portugal’s U-17 national team coach, Bino Maçães, has underscored the critical importance of a strong start at the World Cup, even as he described their opening opponent, New Caledonia, as the most accessible team in their group.
Maçães stated that a good beginning is “fundamental” for the players’ confidence. This is crucial for securing qualification against later, tougher adversaries, he added.
He openly acknowledged New Caledonia as “perhaps the most accessible opponent” in Group B. Maçães noted their lower competitive level, with most players competing domestically, though some are in France.
Despite this assessment, Maçães emphasized the need for respect for their opponents to ensure a victory.
Central defender Santiago Verdi echoed the coach’s sentiment. He insisted the team would approach New Caledonia with the same ambition and focus that led them to become European champions.
Verdi stated their goal is to win the match and score “as many goals as possible.”
The Portuguese team will face New Caledonia on Monday at 18:15 local time in Qatar.
Portugal is in Group B alongside New Caledonia, Morocco, and Japan. Their subsequent matches are against Morocco on Thursday and Japan on Sunday.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16. The tournament concludes on November 27.
Maçães also mentioned the high heat in Qatar as a current challenge for the squad.