Portugal will face Colombia in their final group stage match of the FIFA World Cup, and Trincão spoke to the media ahead of the match.

Coach Roberto Martínez said today that there is no difference between finishing first or second in the group. From a player's perspective, does it truly not matter—for instance, potentially facing Spain in the Round of 16 if you finish second? Do you agree with this view, or has the team not actually discussed it?
When we came here, our main focus was to play well in all three group stage matches. We know the World Cup starts with these three games, and then we think about what comes next. That's the key point—we can't look too far ahead. We are very aware of tomorrow's importance, and our current focus is on these three matches, not on what happens later.
Pedro Neto just mentioned you two got up to mischief together in the past. I won't dwell on that. I want to ask about Luis Suárez. Have you intentionally avoided discussing his game before the match? Or have you briefed your teammates on how he plays in the Portuguese league this season?
No, to be honest, I haven't discussed that with him. We've decided not to talk about these things to avoid unnecessary distractions. However, I have helped Inácio with set piece awareness, since he's a defender and focuses on those details. We haven't spoken to Suárez about his play, but we'll definitely chat after the game.
You and Pedro Neto have been close friends since childhood—from Vianense to Braga to Wolves. When you're together now, are you still those two kids from back then, or have things changed?
Neto has always been a cheerful and fun person, so it's hard not to laugh around him. I don't think he'll change—that's his nature. It's the same on the pitch; he plays with joy and creativity. I think he'll always be like that.
Given the fierce competition in Portugal's attack and your intelligence and creativity, do you think these qualities will be especially important against teams that defend deep? Will Colombia be such a team?
I must be prepared to help the team in any way possible, as should every player. We know this will be a difficult match, and we must be especially alert to their counterattacks—they're very dangerous in that area. This is a completely different team from the ones we've faced before. Everyone must be ready and play to their strengths, because this will be a completely different game.
Colombian players have spoken of their respect for Portugal, not just because of Ronaldo but because of the entire team. How do you view the Colombian national team?
We must respect them equally. We know they have excellent players, and I know one of them very well, so we must be vigilant. They're a team with strong counterattacking ability, and they also play well in possession with high pressing. This will be a difficult match, different from our previous two games. We must respect them and understand that this game will be very challenging.
You're wearing an armband for Diogo Jota. Does having him "on the field" in this way mean something special to you? How much does it motivate you to fight for him in this World Cup?
I think it gives us more strength and determination, as if a force is supporting us from outside, from another level. We must channel this strength into the game and try to win.
Tomorrow you'll face your Sporting teammate Luis Suárez. Have you spoken to him before the match? Have you given your defenders any advice on marking him?
As I mentioned earlier, I haven't discussed those things with him. Inácio talks to him more because they play together at Sporting and he knows Luis better. As a defender, he has that perspective. But I haven't spoken to him—we'll chat after the game.
When facing a team that includes teammates and friends at the World Cup, how do you approach it? Will you be more aggressive, or more thoughtful?
Luis is a striker and I'm also a striker, so I won't be directly defending him. Obviously, on the pitch we're opponents; off the pitch we're friends. That's football.
Roberto Martínez mentioned factors like temperature and humidity today in the Palm Beach environment where you've been training. How do these conditions affect elite players? Will the heat and humidity significantly change your approach or style of play?
I think the main impact will be on the pace of the game—it may be slower due to the heat. But we're fully prepared, having trained here for several days. The main change will likely be the pace of play. I'm not entirely certain how the ball itself will be affected, but we're very well prepared for these conditions.
You're still young, but you've played alongside both Ronaldo and Messi. Is there anything comparable between these two great players?
You mean between the two of them?
Yes.
Their common ground? I'd say leadership and their winning mentality. They always want to win, always want to be the best. That's how they've maintained their top level for 20 years. We can only enjoy witnessing such moments. For me, seeing Cristiano up close, observing his daily training, his discipline, and his desire for Portugal to win—it's all incredible. I think that's what they share.
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Colombia
Sporting CP
Portugal
Al Nassr FC
Messi
Ronaldo
Luis Suárez
Francisco Trincão
Inter Miami CF
FIFA World Cup
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