The Portuguese coach, Roberto Martínez has talked to the media about the upcoming Nations League tournament. He believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is still a key element for the team and Ronaldo will play Nations League. The coach confirms that the former Real Madrid star will be joining the squad for the upcoming tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo Will Play Nations League
This has been a great news for the Portuguese fans who will see their famous star play another international tournament. The coach has told that even though Cristiano Ronaldo lacked some goals in Euros 2024, he will still be part of Nations League. Portugal got eliminated in the quarter finals of the tournament. They are looking to make their mark in the upcoming tournament.
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Portugal will prepare for the upcoming matches of the Nations League. The coach Roberto Martínez has told the media that he will call the players on 30th August for training sessions. Their opening matches of the tournament is against Croatia and Scotland. Portugal has last won the Euros 2016 where Ronaldo was the star of the tournament. Roberto has said his team will be much better prepared for the Nations League. The coach stated:
Cristiano Ronaldo is available. He is playing for his club. The physical data and the information we have on Cristiano are very good. He is a player who always shows great attitude and is very important for the team.
Coach Believes Team Needs Experience
Roberto Martínez does not consider the age of Ronaldo when selecting him. The Portuguese striker is currently 39 years old. He will turn 40 in the upcoming year in February. The coach believed that goals are not always a criterion to judge players. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score a goal in the whole tournament of Euros 2024, he is still important for his experience. Roberto told the media:
Experience is very important when it comes to national teams. We can’t talk about age. Pepe, for example, had an impeccable European Championship. The dressing room is always better when there is experience.
Upcoming Portugal Fixtures For Nations League
The group stage matches for Portugal will be held in three months. Matches will be conducted in September, October and November in this year. There are 4 countries in every group and the top 2 countries qualify for the next stage. Each team plays 2 matches with the other team in the group stages. Portugal has drawn with Scotland, Croatia and Poland in the group stages. The further stages of the tournament will be decided if Portugal qualifies for the tournament. The complete schedule for the Portugal group stage matches are as follows:
- Portugal Vs Croatia: Thursday, 5 September (11:45 PM)
- Portugal Vs Scotland: Sunday, 8 September (11:45 PM)
- Poland Vs Portugal: Saturday, 12 October (11:45 PM)
- Scotland Vs Portugal: Tuesday, 15 October (11:45 PM)
- Portugal Vs Poland: Saturday, 16 November (12:45 AM)
- Croatia Vs Portugal: Tuesday, 19 November (12:45 AM)
Portugal Last Won Nations League 5 Years Ago
Portugal have won the Nations League in 2019 where the entire team performed really well. Under the leadership of Fernando Santos, the former Portuguese coach, the team was able to win the tournament in style.
The football team of Portugal defeated Switzerland in the semifinals by a score of 3-1. The other semifinal was played by England and Netherlands where Netherlands were able to defeat England by 3 goals to 1. The final was between Portugal and Netherlands where both teams were phenomenal throughout the tournament.
Portugal won the final by 1 goal to nil. The only goal was scored by Goncalo Guedes in the 60th minute of the match. The Estadio do Dragao stadium erupted with joy when Portugal was ahead in the game. All the Portuguese fans were delighted to see their country win another international trophy after Euros 2016.
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