Martínez starts five ex-Benfica players for Ireland v Portugal | OneFootball

In countdown mode, Roberto Martínez has decided to start five former Benfica players. According to information released by the Portuguese Football Federation itself, the national coach will count on five athletes who have played for the Clube da Luz in the starting lineup that will represent Portugal against Ireland.

The players in question are present in three of the four areas of the pitch. Starting with the defense, the Spanish coach has chosen João Cancelo for the right flank. The Portuguese international – who commented on a possible return to Glorioso – will be joined by former Benfica player Rúben Dias.

In midfield, given the strategy adopted by Ireland, Roberto Martínez is betting on João Neves to start, who has been in excellent form. The former number 87 of the reds and whites will play alongside his PSG teammate, Vitinha, and Rúben Neves, one of Al Hilal’s key players.

Up front, the national coach has placed two stars from Benfica’s academy alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. On the right side, the national team captain will have the support of Bernardo Silva. The left flank will be under the responsibility of João Félix, who has been shining in the colors of Al Nassr.

It should be remembered that today, Portugal plays the first of two qualifying matches for the World Cup, which will take place in the summer of 2026. If they triumph over the Irish, the Portuguese team secures a spot in the tournament. The second match, against Armenia, will take place on November 16.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.