This Wednesday, in Leiria, Portugal will hold its final rehearsal before departing for the 2026 World Cup, against Nigeria, in a match in which Roberto Martínez intends to fine-tune the last details without losing sight of the biggest priority: arrive at the competition with the entire group prepared. The National Selector assumed that the objective is to balance competitiveness and physical management, leaving the guarantee that there will be space for almost everyone called up to play minutes.
“It’s the last game of preparation, the focus is to prepare, recover and give minutes to those who need it. The first objective is to get the players on the plane ready for the World Cup”, explained the Spanish coach, also revealing that he intends to make a profound change in the team throughout the 90 minutes. “The idea is to make eleven substitutions”he added, reinforcing that the particular situation before Nigerians will serve above all to consolidate routines and increase competitive levels.
Alongside Martínez was Francisco Trincão, chosen to preview the match, at a time when he is experiencing the expectation of participating in the final phase of a World Cup for the first time. The winger was motivated for the challenge and assured that he was available to help in any circumstances. “Above all, I would say enthusiasm. It’s a unique experience, a tournament different from the rest”said the Portuguese international.
Without revealing any major clues about the starting eleven, Martínez once again insisted on an idea that he has repeated since taking command of the national team: more important than the names is the collective response. “Portugal’s strength is everyone’s commitment”stressed the selector, defending an organized team, aggressive without the ball and capable of adapting the tactical component to the talent available. “We have a structure and discipline to win every game”he insisted.
