“We are better and more prepared”: Roberto Martinez is confident of victory over Turkey

Roberto Martinez admits the team will introduce a different tactical model against Turkey this Saturday, which could mean changes to some of the starting XI.

For many, the team that finished the game against the Czechs was better than the one that started the match, but the coach does not guarantee the title to anyone, not even the scorer of the decisive goal: “Francisco Conceição came and showed why he was part of Selecao, Neto and Inacio, as well as Nelson Semedo. It is important to reach the tournament and grow, and after the game against the Czech Republic we became better and more prepared,” emphasizes Martinez, who, however, admits that the group has been self-criticizing a lot in the last three days.

Against Turkey, who in Round 1 were the team with the most ball recoveries, most tackles and most goals from outside the box, the tactical system may change to a four-man defense with the introduction of a more defensive midfielder such as Straw. With four defenders, can Pepe hold out? The selector has no doubt: “Pepe can play in a line of three or four backs, no problem,” he said. And to put an end to the issue of age, he immediately said why Cristiano Ronaldo remains in the national team: “He brings experience, goals, opens up spaces. He is here on merit.”

The opponent this Saturday in a game that dictates passage to the round of 16 for the winning team is far superior to the Czech Republic. Roberto Martinez is well aware of the value of the team led by Italian Vincenzo Montella: “Türkiye has an incredible combination of talent. We have seen what players like Arda Guler are capable of. There is also the experience of Calhanaglu. ball, and the coach also gave the team a very good and strong defensive structure.”

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Opponent praises CR7
“Cristiano Ronaldo is an incredible player. We’re talking about a player who can score 50 goals in a season. Portugal has such a player, so I can say that it will be a difficult game,” said Vincenzo Montella, Turkey coach, ensuring to know what “Portugal’s weak points” are.

Permitted travel
Parliament unanimously approved the trip of the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to Germany on Wednesday on the Portugal-Georgia route, which closes the group stage. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro was present at the start of the European Championship, and this Saturday the game will be watched live by Aguiar-Branco, President of the Assembly of the Republic.