Jackson Martínez: “I’d say Rafael Leão could help a lot more” | OneFootball

Jackson Martínez stood out while playing for FC Porto and still has a residence in Invicta, dividing his time between Colombia and Portugal. Speaking to O JOGO, the former striker talked about tonight’s big clash, revisiting the emotions of a nation that was thrilled in 2014, when Cha Cha Cha was part of the delegation that travelled to Brazil, at a time when James Rodríguez was enjoying the best spell of his career and establishing himself as one of the standout stars of that World Cup.

The former Colombian striker, scorer of many goals for the Dragons and plagued by injuries throughout his career, has already drawn his conclusions from the opening matches and hopes his favourite national teams put in a good performance in this encounter. “I watched both debuts. I don’t consider Portugal’s draw a failure; they were surprised by a physically strong opponent and a fast, intense team. Colombia also had to improve from the first to the second game, much more focused against Congo,” said Jackson, acknowledging Portugal’s “restored confidence.” “There are no easy games, we have more unfamiliar national teams and that’s why it’s a competition that brings surprises. But I think Portugal and Colombia are calmer now and will want to win this match. It will be interesting because they are very technical teams that try to play well. Colombia will try to keep things balanced and Portugal will try to impose its game,” added Jackson, one of the stars of the Cafeteros in 2014, when they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil. He scored two goals in three matches. “That involves a lot of emotion, because I took part in this great tournament with my national team. I know I left a good impression; I remember that moment with a lot of gratitude. It was a shame about the game against Brazil. We were dreaming of more, just as now it is legitimate to dream of going further. We have the tools for a great game against Portugal; we will enjoy it and hope for the best in whatever comes,” assessed Cha Cha Cha Martínez.

Speaking about each side’s weapons, the former striker, now a musician connected to urban hip hop, highlighted several of Portugal’s strengths. “It is a national team with great individual quality, which I appreciate a lot. Because of that, it has the ability to win the World Cup, but it needs more than talent; it needs a united and committed group,” he said, singling out in particular one player who has been on the bench. “I could talk a lot about Vitinha and Ronaldo, but I think Rafael Leão is someone who can help much more. It will depend on the moments when the coach feels it is right to use him, but I really appreciate his qualities. He has everything needed to make the difference,” said Jackson, also offering other views. “Bruno Fernandes is another leader. Portugal has players who want the ball, who are protagonists and do not hide. Nuno Mendes is a very important full-back, but now I’m getting into personal preferences.”

“James and Cristiano Ronaldo give everything for their national teams”

Looking more closely, Jackson analysed the roles of James, his teammate at the 2014 World Cup, and Cristiano Ronaldo, idols in their respective countries but also targets of criticism. “I can’t give an opinion on their status as unquestionable starters. James has shown, even in his worst physical moments, a high level of commitment to the national team. He is a tireless competitor with a winning mentality. He will continue to give a lot to Colombia. The relevance of James and Ronaldo on the pitch tells us that they are players who can make the difference,” he stressed, understanding that the rest depends on the internal dynamics, which may or may not elevate them as central pieces. “I know they also generate criticism, but the proof is in what they do, in how they play and in the image they give of giving everything for their national teams,” he praised.

Pure euphoria in Colombia

As for the atmosphere in Colombia with the World Cup being played in the United States and with a match of this magnitude in Miami, where the community increases its presence and finds a sense of belonging far from home, Jackson explained what he expects to see in Portugal. “In our country, when the national team plays, everyone wears the shirt, they go to work wrapped in those colours, they wake up like that. If someone from outside arrived without knowing there was a game, they would wonder what was going on. For me it was difficult to take in that difference in Portugal, where people do make time to watch the game at home, but without wearing the shirt so much,” explained the former Porto goalscorer, describing “pure euphoria” around this edition of the World Cup.

“The Colombian people truly started believing again after what they saw in 2014. And now they believe they can go even further than we did. Miami strengthens that feeling even more; the Latin communities support their national teams,” he said, also revealing conversations with Portuguese friends. “They know it will be very difficult, but they became more excited after this 5-0 win. There will be respect, but Colombia will not sit back and wait, unless Portugal forces them to with intensity and possession. But deep down, they know our dangers and they also know we have technical players; Luis Díaz is now a global star.”

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