Portugal makes its World Cup debut this Wednesday against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Armando Sá does not ignore the signs left by the competition so far, during which European and South American teams have found it very difficult to win their games, something that only Germany, Scotland and Sweden have achieved.
For the former defender, who has lived in Canada, one of the tournament’s organizing nations, for several years, the national team must enter the pitch at NRG Stadium, in Houston, on notice. “There have already been some surprises in this World Cup and Portugal has to be careful. It has to respect the Congo team, but also be aware of its value”, says Armando Sá, speaking to DN.
Still, the former Benfica, Sp. Braga, Villarreal and Leeds player believes that the national team has enough arguments to avoid a surprise on their debut.
“Portugal has experienced players, who compete in the Champions League, who are decisive in their clubs and who have already been champions. This team is very mature for these types of games and I believe that they will not be surprised by the Democratic Republic of Congo”, he emphasizes.
Armando Sá anticipates a more expectant Congolese team, prepared to lower lines and explore speed in transitions. Therefore, he considers that Portugal will have to take the initiative early on.
“Portugal has to control the game, avoid transitions and try to nullify every moment in which Congo can break out. With the ball, they have to move quickly, move the opponent, get them out of position. I believe that Congo will close down a little and try to get out in transition, so Portugal will have to be quick in possession and very attentive when they lose the ball”analyze.
Currently studying proposals after having spent four seasons as assistant coach of Canadian Pacific FC, a club from the city of Langford, on the west coast of Canada, Armando Sá sees Portugal among the strongest teams in the competition. More than a theoretical candidacy, he understands that Roberto Martínez’s team has real conditions to think big.
“Portugal is one of the favorites. The first obstacle is the Democratic Republic of Congo. Then, it’s time to get through the following games, pick up the pace and grow within the World Cup. I believe that Portugal is very prepared to reach the final”he defends.
Asked about the Portuguese players who could be decisive, Armando Sá prefers not to individualize. For the former defender, success will depend above all on collective strength.
“I don’t want to talk too much about just one player. I want the team to be decisive. To be strong, united and prepared for all difficulties. This World Cup has already seen a lot of group strength, very united teams and little individualism. Portugal must do the same”points out.
The ambition assumed by Pedro Proença, who put winning the title as his objective, is also not seen as a factor of additional pressure. For Armando Sá, it is just the verbalization of a natural expectation.
“I don’t think Pedro Proença said that to put pressure on the team. I think he said what all the Portuguese want. The players, the coach and the fans want Portugal to fight for the title. This is everyone’s hope and desire”, he considers.
The late arrival of the national team to the American continent also doesn’t worry him. Armando Sá understands that the Portuguese Football Federation made a logical decision by extending the work in Portugal before the trip.
“The team did what it had to do. It worked at home, prepared the games, recovered the players and organized everything strategically. The homework was done in Portugal. Now, in the United States, the most important thing will be adjusting to the time zone, the climate, the fields and all these details to enter the competition well”, he explains.
Living in Canada, Armando Sá admits that it would be special to see Portugal play in the country during the World Cup. “It was beautiful. There are many Portuguese people in Canada, many immigrants from the Azores, Madeira and also from the continent, who haven’t seen the team for a long time and are very proud of Portugal”it says. Still, he remembers the size of the Canadian territory: “Sometimes, it may even be easier for some Portuguese to go to the United States to see the national team than to travel within Canada itself.”
Regarding the atmosphere in the host country, the former player notes a growing enthusiasm. “Canada is doing everything to organize the championship in the best way, especially in Toronto and Vancouver, where games will be held. There is a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of belief, also since the arrival of coach Jesse Marsch, with a positive and motivating speech about the possibility of building a strong and competitive team.”
As for the new format, with 48 teams, Armando Sá admits initial reservations, but recognizes positive signs. “At first, it scared me a little, because I thought some intensity might be lost. But the games showed passion, joy and nations living the dream. If the theoretically weaker teams manage to be competitive throughout the competition, then this format could be beneficial for football.”
