Roberto Martínez says Portugal starter pushed João Neves to step up... | OneFootball

Portugal defeated Armenia 9-1 and secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. João Neves made his debut scoring for the National Team and netted a hat-trick, with one of the goals coming from a direct free kick. Roberto Martínez revealed that it was Bruno Fernandes who urged the former Benfica player to take the shot.

"The free-kick goal by João Neves is funny. Because after yesterday's training, it was Bruno Fernandes who pushed João to take the free kicks. And Bruno has already acknowledged his credit (laughs). João Neves' free-kick goal shows the atmosphere in the locker room and in the National Team", he said.

Martínez was also asked about Carlos Forbs, a former target and confessed Benfica fan: "I liked Carlos's attitude, he is a different player, vertical, fast, and can play on both wings. When Pedro Neto started joining the National Team, it was an important position, and I think now we have a player who can fit the same profile. It's not easy to find, it's a showcase of the talent we have in our development".

With a former Benfica duo on the flanks, Martínez explained: "I think it was an important training camp for us to understand that Dalot, Cancelo, and Semedo can play as left-backs. We had a line of five against Ireland, a line of four against Armenia, and I think the team now has the ease to use different defensive structures".

"I think we need to improve the defensive transition, and I liked the versatility to draw the game inside and give space outside. Leão is important when he can go one-on-one, and players like Dalot, Cancelo, and Semedo draw the game inside to give space to players like Leão", he concluded.

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