Ex-Sporting star on World Cup drive after Hungary v Portugal: "No need..." | OneFootball

João Palhinha revealed that the national team wants to win the 2026 World Cup to honor Diogo Jota, a former player of the national team who recently passed away. The former Sporting player saw the team under Roberto Martínez take an important step in that direction, with a 3-2 victory in Hungary - Portugal, and at the end of the match, he commented on the game in a conversation with journalists present in the mixed zone.

"I think we mostly controlled the game almost entirely. It's normal for them to come looking for the result, especially towards the end, but I think, apart from that, we controlled the game, we played well and showed the superiority we've been having up to now. We are getting closer to our goal, which is the most important," the former Sporting player began to explain about Hungary - Portugal.

Palhinha then spoke about what is needed to reach the World Cup: "I'm not saying it's done, but we are definitely closer. There are two games left and if we win the next two games, we can practically guarantee qualification. It's a different qualification model, but I think it ends up being good too. And, above all, playing at home in the next games next month... I don't even know where it will be. Where will it be? Alvalade? Oh good! It's always very special to play in Portugal."

"We have six/seven teams vying for the title, and I believe it will be a much more competitive World Cup than in the past. It will always be good for the fans to watch, but we have every right to be there and win that much-desired trophy. There's no need to say how special it would be to win a World Cup and dedicate it to our Diogo and his entire family. And we will fight for that!" added the former Sporting player, not forgetting his former national team companion.

João Palhinha concluded with a reflection on the club change he made this season: "I felt that people really wanted me at the club, at Tottenham in this case. Especially the coach. He was the one who pushed for me to return to England. And when that's the case, I think things are easier to happen. I'm looking for my place, I'm very happy with these early days at Tottenham and once again in the Premier League."

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