Portugal drew 0-0 against Colombia in its final group match of the FIFA World Cup, and coach Martinez attended the post-match press conference.

It seemed Portugal struggled with the intensity early on. What does this result mean for the future?

First, this was a very competitive match for us and for Colombia. Both teams had already qualified, so the third match could have been just a formality, but it wasn't. Both sides were focused on winning and actively attacked their opponents' goal.

For us, it was a very valuable test. After the match, we are more mature in every respect. The match was very demanding, and we also discussed the match conditions. Even without ideal physical conditions, we still had to try to make the right decisions.

I am very satisfied with the team's defensive intensity and Diogo Costa's performance. Colombia penetrated into the final third several times, which also helped us improve and adjust our structure. We allowed our opponents to play at their desired tempo—they're good in transitions and creating one-on-one situations, while we needed to control the game and possession, but we didn't execute that well.

If you can't control possession, it weakens certain players' strengths. Overall, it was a very valuable test. As we've always shown, this team has the ability to analyze itself and is ready to keep improving. Now that the three group matches are complete, it's time to take stock and prepare for Croatia. We want to win; we want to win every match 3-0 and completely dominate, but that's not how reality works. The team is ready for the next match.

Now that we enter the knockout stage, can Portugal still consider itself a favorite to win the championship?

Our mentality has never changed. The first phase of the FIFA World Cup consisted of these three matches, and the team needed to grow with a sense of responsibility, and we did. I'm very satisfied with the players. We gave playing opportunities to 21 players, and I have complete confidence in each one. We qualified, and the group stage is finished.

Next, we'll prepare for Croatia, a European team we know very well. Now we're ready to continue pushing toward our goal of winning every match. The objective hasn't changed, the process hasn't changed, and right now we're focused on recovery.

Yesterday you said it didn't matter whether you finished first or second, but Portugal now has one less rest day, and if you eliminate Croatia, you could face Spain. Are you satisfied with this draw? How can you make a positive assessment? Wouldn't a fairer result have been a loss for Portugal?

Your assessment isn't really positive. Today's match was in line with our expectations; the conditions were demanding, and the opponents were different, which is exactly the kind of match we needed.

There were no issues with the team's attitude and commitment, but our opponents also had quality. Sometimes being able to defend the box is crucial, and Diogo Costa's performance was excellent and very important. Now we need to continue improving in certain areas and prepare for Croatia.

Whether we won or lost today wouldn't directly help us win the FIFA World Cup. If the goal is to play eight matches, then the path taken doesn't have fundamental importance. We want to win, and our opponents do too. It was a very open match, even more open than we expected. Colombia is very good at using transitions and physical confrontations.

You've always said this was the first phase of the FIFA World Cup, and now we're entering a new phase. From now on, is this Portuguese team more confident or more cautious?

It's a good question. Without a doubt, we are more confident and better prepared. We faced difficulties and made progress. We are more united psychologically, in terms of responsibility and confidence. This is part of the growth process. We need to review the three group matches, summarize our shortcomings, and maintain the positive aspects. 21 players had the opportunity to play, and I think the team is ready for the next match.

Were you surprised by Colombia's performance? Was the draw fair?

Surprised? No. We've known about Colombia's strength for a long time. Their friendlies against Spain and England showed us their capabilities. It's not surprising. But it also means we need to impose our rhythm on the game. We have many players with strong positioning ability and shouldn't have let the match unfold that way.

It was a very competitive match, and now we're better prepared. We had to put in more defensive effort than anticipated, but in football, that ability is also important. Diogo Costa's performance was excellent and he's in good form right now.

Were you surprised by Colombia's three significant lineup changes? Also, how do you assess the referee?

At the national team level, we always need to prepare an overall tactical approach. No matter who plays, we need to adapt accordingly. But their changes didn't surprise us; regardless of who played, their style was consistent. Perhaps we didn't impose our rhythm on the game, and the match became more fragmented, which is where Colombia excels.

As for the referee, I have no specific comments. It was a very contentious and physical match, but both sides were fighting to win.

The next match comes almost a year after João's passing.

It will indeed be difficult; João is always in our memories. I wouldn't say it's only difficult because of the timing, but we have to fight for him. We started together, we fought side by side, and we won the Nations League together.

It's just another match, but such moments are always complex. However, we are a very strong team, and we will remember his conviction and the desire he always maintained, which remain in our hearts.

Regarding Ronaldo, did you consider giving him rest, as Scaloni did with Messi?

We don't compare players. We monitor all data in real time during matches, and the same applies to training. Different positions have different demands. Ronaldo is used to being in the right place at the right time; he is very disciplined on the pitch and can create space for his teammates. His physical and mental condition are good.

There may be some adjustments in the next match, but we will decide based on the information we have. Some players aren't yet at 100%, but all the data is very important for us.

Compare Colombia and Croatia.

The two teams are completely different. One is a European team, and the other is a South American team. There is a big difference in their philosophies of play and how they use space. Colombia's style of play didn't surprise us; we knew they like to open up and fragment the game, looking for space in midfield, and James Rodríguez can create threats in those areas.

Traduit par IA.

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