On June 23, the Uzbekistan national team will play its second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Portugal. The game will be held at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, kicking off at 10:00 PM Tashkent time.
Ahead of the match, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez answered journalists' questions. The specialist spoke about the team's mood after the draw with DR Congo, assessed the Uzbekistan team, and provided updates on player conditions.
According to Martinez, the team conducted a detailed analysis after the first round and drew conclusions. “We had to figure out what we did right and what we couldn't execute. Despite high ball possession and quality of play, we lacked penetration into the opponent's box. There was disappointment after the match, but the team reacted correctly. This situation made us stronger and brought us even closer together,” Martinez said.
The coach noted that Portugal must improve after the first 20 minutes of the match against DR Congo. “The first 20 minutes against Congo were good. But then until halftime we lost positional structure and discipline. We have talent, but we definitely need order and system. Against Uzbekistan, we must improve these aspects,” the specialist stated.
Martinez emphasized that Portugal respects the Uzbekistan team. “Uzbekistan is a completely different team. Their defense is well-organized, and the head coach has great experience in major tournaments. We understand that a difficult and competitive match awaits us. If we go onto the field thinking we will simply win, we will be badly mistaken,” the Portugal head coach noted.
Martinez specifically commented on the motivation of the Uzbekistan team, which is making its World Cup debut. “We have great respect for Fabio Cannavaro and his work with the team. It's always tough against teams that play at a big tournament without extra pressure. For Uzbekistan, just reaching the World Cup is a big celebration. Every team has strengths and weaknesses, and we understand a tough game awaits us,” he added.
The Portugal head coach also answered a question about Cristiano Ronaldo and his role in the team. “Cristiano is a true example of a captain. This is his sixth World Cup, and we are talking about a man who has been defending the honor of the national team for 21 seasons. He still has a huge desire to develop and help the team. In the locker room, he is an example for everyone,” Martinez said.
However, the specialist did not reveal whether Ronaldo would start against Uzbekistan. “I cannot talk about the starting lineup yet because I haven't told the players. I don't like to publicly discuss what I must first tell the players,” the coach noted.
Martinez also provided an update on Portugal's squad situation. According to him, defender Ruben Dias has recovered and is ready to help the team, while Tomas Araujo will miss the match against Uzbekistan. “Tomas Araujo is training individually and will miss this match, but I hope he returns for the next game. Ruben Dias is already back. All other players are ready to help the team—whether from the start or from the bench,” Martinez said.
The coach also noted that Portugal will try to use its attacking strengths. “It's important for us to know how to play with the ball, find free spaces, and create one-on-one situations. Over the last 40 matches, we have shown some of the best results in goals and entries into the opponent's box. This is not our weak point, but in the first match, many emotional factors hindered us,” he stated.
Speaking about pressure and criticism after the draw with DR Congo, Martinez stressed that external talk does not affect the team. “Since my first day working with the Portugal national team, there hasn't been a single match without noise and pressure. This is the World Cup, it's normal here. But external talk does not enter the locker room—I can guarantee that. The team is now more united than when we arrived at the tournament,” the specialist said.
According to Martinez, Portugal's main goal is to beat Uzbekistan not to respond to criticism, but for the team's tournament objectives. “Beating Uzbekistan is our goal. But not to respond to the events of recent days, but because the players are proud to wear the national team jersey. We came here with clear goals. There will be no easy matches, and we understand that,” the Portugal head coach stated.
Recall that in the first round, Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, lost to Colombia 1-3.
Source: uznews.uz