Roberto Martínez snubs Benfica for squad, says they can still help | OneFootball

The national team drew, two goals each, against Hungary, last Tuesday, October 14th, in a match for the 2026 World Cup qualification. The team was leading but allowed a draw, in a game where Roberto Martínez did not field any Benfica players. At the end of the match, the national coach spoke to RTP1 microphones about the draw.

"I think it was a game where we saw Hungary strong in set-pieces, but in the first half we controlled it. We started well in the second half but couldn't finish the game. This game had a special meaning. In the last 10 minutes, we played for the chance to qualify for the World Cup, and it changes a bit of who we are," began Roberto Martínez's analysis.

The national coach continued: "Remember that there are no easy games. We have 4 points in the stage. There is a lot of information. We wanted to qualify, but for the World Cup preparation, it can be important to know how to manage a game like this, especially in the last 10 minutes (...) We have a good chance to qualify in November, and it's a lesson that can help a lot, even though it's painful now."

Then, he was asked if there was too much pragmatism: "We are a team that needs the ball, but we are a responsible team and wanted to give the qualification to the fans. It's a good lesson. We need to always have control of the ball and personality. In the second half, we had opportunities, but we are talking about closing the result."

"The important thing is to understand that we have a lot of competitiveness and that we always have to be ready. In November, we have 2 very important games. We want to continue our good game, and it's an opportunity for a call-up for a possible World Cup qualification. It's much better to have competitive games, in Ireland and with Armenia at the Dragão. We have to continue if we want to maintain the level of the Nations League semi-final and final," concluded the national team's coach.

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