Portugal’s national basketball team, emboldened by a history of surprising major opponents, faces Greece in a 2027 World Cup qualifier with newly appointed vice-captain Rafael Lisboa asserting their belief in victory.
Lisboa, one of the team’s most experienced players, stated the squad approaches all games with the same mindset and confidence. He emphasized the goal is to win, regardless of the opponent’s stature.
“We approach all games equally, and it gives us confidence,” Lisboa said in comments released by the Portuguese Basketball Federation. “We believe it’s always possible to win, no matter the opponent.”
Portugal has previously secured upset victories against basketball nations like Slovenia, Spain, and Argentina. This track record against theoretically stronger teams bolsters the current squad’s confidence, according to Lisboa.
The vice-captain expressed the team’s eagerness to compete against top-tier opponents. “That’s what we play these games for, that’s why we are in these competitions, to play against the best and to be able to compete, win, and show our worth.”
Lisboa highlighted the team’s unwavering “attitude and confidence” as fundamental to their competitive spirit. This mindset, he said, “is the key to this team’s success.”
The upcoming qualifier against Greece will be played on Sunday in Matosinhos. Coach Mário Gomes leads the Portuguese national team.
Lisboa recently took on the role of vice-captain, one of three captains for the national squad. He described the position as a natural fit, citing his long-standing leadership within the group.
“It’s an honor for me to be vice-captain, despite being young,” Lisboa noted. “It’s something I’ve been in this group for a long time, I’ve always been, even if it’s just by the position in the game, like a team leader, and that’s a bit within my personality.”
Portugal began its 2027 World Cup qualification campaign with an 83-62 victory over Montenegro in Podgorica. The World Cup will be hosted in Qatar.
The qualification format dictates that the top three teams from each of the eight groups will advance to the second phase of the tournament.