Martinez Demands More Intensity from Portugal Ahead of Denmark Rematch
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez slammed his team's performance after a 1-0 loss to Denmark, calling it their 'worst game in a long time.' Martinez demands a drastic improvement in intensity and rhythm for the rematch in Lisbon on Sunday.
Portugal's national team coach, Roberto Martinez, expressed his disappointment with his team's performance after their 1-0 defeat to Denmark. Martinez was candid in his assessment, stating, ”I think it's the worst game we've played in a very long time.” Portugal's loss was sealed by Rasmus Hojlund's match-winning goal 15 minutes from time.
Despite the disappointing result, goalkeeper Diogo Costa's outstanding performance prevented a more emphatic defeat. Costa saved a penalty from Christian Eriksen and made numerous other crucial saves to keep Portugal in the game. Martinez acknowledged Denmark's superiority, saying, “Denmark was just better than us in all areas. Denmark played as we expected because we allowed it.”
Martinez identified areas for improvement, particularly in terms of rhythm and ball control. “We lacked rhythm and were unable to control the ball,” he noted. “We have a lot to improve.” Despite his team's poor performance, Martinez was impressed by Denmark's display, and Portugal will need to regroup before the return match in Lisbon on Sunday.
Roberto Martinez acknowledged that Denmark dominated Portugal physically, saying, “The Danish players were constantly above us. They were aggressive and didn't allow us anything. Physically, we couldn't keep up.” Martinez emphasized that a drastic change in attitude is necessary for the return match.
Martinez expressed his disappointment with Portugal's performance, stating, “We must have rhythm and intensity on Sunday. Because what we delivered was not at all at the level I expect us to be able to perform at.”
He stressed that Portugal needs to elevate their game significantly to compete with Denmark.
When asked if Portugal were lucky to have only lost 1-0, Martinez didn't agree, but did concede that goalkeeper Diogo Costa's outstanding performance prevented a more severe defeat. Martinez emphasized that Portugal needs to adopt a completely different approach in the return match, saying, “We have to play with a completely different intensity. And then we need to see more from our individualists on Sunday.”
Portugal will face Denmark in the return leg on Sunday in Lisbon, with Martinez's team seeking to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance in Copenhagen.
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