Through the six games played, it has become clear who the backbone of Martinez’s side is: Cristiano and the duo of Bruno Fernandez and Bernardo Silva
Six wins in six games, scoring 24 goals and conceding zero goals.These are the overwhelming numbers to start with Roberto Martinez At the head of an unstoppable choice Portugal closer and closer Germany Euro 2024.
Under the guidance of Catalan coaches, Portugal Monday’s biggest win in history was a resounding one 9-0 win over Luxembourgand last Friday, after winning 0-1 Slovakiaachieved the best results in the qualifying stage European Cup or a world.
“The numbers are brutal. It’s a good starting point but we have to keep working and improving. The team put in a huge effort and that’s what makes history,” he declared. Roberto Martinez After yesterday’s game.
The exhibition game against Luxembourg provided a glimpse into the full scale of the type of play Martinez intends to implement for his team. Portugala team that focuses on offense and almost always controls the ball.
However, despite Portugal’s good numbers, they haven’t always achieved the perfect execution that their new coach wants.
The “process” of having fun
Not all games are played on foot.
During the visit to Bratislava, the Slovak team’s high pressure made it difficult for the Portuguese team to establish their offense and there were many problems with ball control.
A similar thing happened in June against Bosnia (3-0) and Iceland (0-1)more physical confrontation affects possession of the ball.
After the win over Slovakia, Martinez stressed that growth takes “time” because playing well “is a process.”
“I think winning is important, the most important thing, but it’s also important to play well. It’s a process. There are no easy games in international football… We need time to work together,” the Spaniard told News commented the conference.
From pragmatism to experimentation
When he took office in January, Roberto Martinez Take a pragmatic stance and emphasize the importance of obtaining qualifications European Cup Next year, so their calls are all based on Portugal’s “hardcore” and there are few new faces.
With passport Germany Balaguer’s men have almost certainly begun to change tactics and explore new options, albeit very slowly.
In the past two games, he has opted for a four-man defensive line instead of three centre-backs, supplemented by three midfielders and three forwards.
In this 4-3-3 formation, Martinez gave the winger to the very speedy Rafael Leão, one of the stars of the Italian Serie A but in the national team. Didn’t stand out like he did in Serie A. AC Milanbecause two (Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix) forces him to play an inner game that is often not best suited to his characteristics.
And yesterday, with Christianity Absent due to injury, it’s the striker’s turn Paris Saint-Germain Gonzalo Ramos Taking up the position reserved for the great Portuguese, he responded to the challenge with doubles, one of which followed a stunning sprint from Leo.
Cristiano and Bruno Bernardo’s responsibilities, pillars
Six games so far, the pillars of the team are clear Roberto Martinez: Cristiano and by Bruno Fernandez and Bernardo Silva.
ChristianityCaptain and leader, author of 5 of 24 goals Portugal In this qualifying round, he has played other roles besides being a scorer.
Taking the game against Bosnia as an example, the former real Madrid He returned to play a supporting role, which was not unusual during his club career, but even more so with the national team.
The last two games have also shown that the Spanish coach’s thinking axis comes from this pair. Manchester, Bruno Fernandez (Manchester United) and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Fernandez scored 4 goals and had 5 assists in six games during the Martinez era, becoming the best player of the Martinez era. Unity With Silva’s talent and experience a cohesive midfield maestro, he scored three goals and assisted the same number.