Portugal coach Roberto Martínez described his team’s failure to secure early qualification for the 2026 World Cup as a “painful lesson,” citing anxiety and game management issues after a late equalizer from Hungary forced a 2-2 draw.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored in injury time for Hungary on Tuesday, denying Portugal the outright victory that would have guaranteed their spot in the global tournament.
Martínez highlighted the team’s “anxiety” to qualify immediately and their struggle to “kill the game” despite holding a lead. He emphasized the importance of learning to manage such pressure, particularly in the final minutes of a match.
“It’s a lesson that can help a lot, even if it’s painful now,” Martínez told Sport TV, stressing the need for consistent ball control and what he called “personality” on the field.
The World Cup 2026 qualifier saw Portugal unable to maintain their advantage against a Hungarian side that proved effective from set pieces.
Martínez acknowledged that Portugal had several opportunities in the second half, including hitting the post, which could have sealed the victory.
He addressed any perception of excessive pragmatism, stating that while the team requires possession, they also wanted to deliver early qualification to their supporters.
The coach dismissed the idea that the result negatively impacts his work, instead viewing it as a crucial part of preparation for future competitive matches.
Portugal remains in a strong position for qualification, with two “very important” games scheduled in November against Ireland and Armenia.
Martínez clarified that any observed defensive posturing was an “emotional aspect” from the players, not a tactical instruction, underscoring the team’s ongoing learning curve in managing high-stakes situations.