Portugal’s roller hockey squad hit a rough patch early in the European Championship. After a tough start with no wins, they finally found their rhythm on Thursday. The team delivered a dominant performance, crushing Andorra with a clear 11-2 victory.
This big win was more than just points on the board. It gave the team a much-needed confidence boost. Now, they face a huge test: a semi-final clash against Spain. Coach Paulo Freitas is counting on his players to leave everything on the rink.
Freitas said his team had to be serious from start to finish against Andorra. He noted that the big score reflected their strong play. It wasn’t about saving energy, he explained. Instead, the focus was on sharpening their skills and tactics. He felt good about the result, and his players left the game feeling positive.
Winning changes everything, Freitas believes. It shifts the entire team’s outlook. Looking ahead to Friday’s showdown with Spain, he didn’t hold back. “We will play like wild animals,” Freitas declared, “but always within the rules.” He wants his team to play with courage and clear minds. Their ultimate goal is to win and reach Saturday’s grand final.
The coach understands the weight of the moment. “We put pressure on ourselves,” he admitted. “But there’s also pressure from outside that others put on us.”
Freitas recognizes Spain’s strong points. “We know what they do well,” he said. Still, he sees ways his team can cause problems. “In specific moments, we can truly hurt Spain,” he added. He also stressed the importance of stopping Spain from doing the same to them.