Croatian Opponents In Nations League, Martinez Coach: Portugal Must Be Aggressive And Attack

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez promised a different appearance in the Nations League. (X/@selecaoportugal)

JAKARTA - Portugal, a team with talented players but failed to meet expectations at Euro 2024. Coach Robert Martinez promised Portugal's more aggressive appearance and attacking while competing in the UEFA Nations League. The match against Croatia will be proof of Martinez's boast.

Martinez was criticized again after failing to boost the achievements of a team of talented players. Previously, Martinez was also less successful when dealing with Belgium for six years. Belgium, who is also a talented star-studded team, was only able to finish third in the 2018 World Cup.

When changing national teams and dealing with Portugal replacing Fernando Santos in 2023, Martinez did pass the Selecao das Quinas to the Euro 2024 finals. He also relied again on Cristiano Ronaldo who was eliminated by Santos. But Portugal was only able to last until the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France.

Now, Martinez has a new burden by bringing Portugal to the Nations League. In the match in League A Group 1, Portugal hosted Croatia at the Stadio da Luz, Friday, September 6, 2024 in the morning WIB. Furthermore, Portugal returned to host when facing Scotland in the same place, Monday, September 9, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Martinez said that the team learned a lot from the defeat against France. According to him, the team is getting stronger and more experienced. The Spaniard is also ready to face criticism after the failure in the European Cup.

"Critification is the part we really need. However, the team's internals remain strong and solid. More than what fans expect," said Martinez.

"We always want to win. But a big tournament is always won by the team with the best players in the world. So, every match is determined in detail. And that detail includes penalties," he said again.

"But we show a good and strong character so that we can control the match against France. We also continue to grow as a team. Now, the team is ready if they have to play two or more matches. What is clear, I like the character shown by this team. We are developing in all aspects," said Martinez.

Martinez, further said that he focused on building a team, especially in attack. The former manager of Swansea City and Everton hopes the team will play more aggressively than in Germany.

"We can't wait to get back on the pitch. Fans already want to see the Portuguese team playing with full energy and high enthusiasm. The team playing attacking football.

"We will play attacking and this will be an interesting match because Croatia is a team that always tries to win the ball. This will be a fight between the two teams that will fight for the ball," he said.

The duel will feature two veterans who have played together, Ronaldo and Luka Modric. The two of them worked hand in hand in Madrid. Only, Ronaldo then left Madrid to move to Juventus and finally anchored in Al Nassr.

Meanwhile, Modric is still staying in Los Merengues. Now he is the most senior player in Madrid after the departure of Toni Kroos and Nacho.