Portugal secured a 4-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the first of seven warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup. The team is set to play another friendly against Angola this Saturday.
Following the match in Rio Maior, Jorge Braz, André Correia, and Bruno Coelho expressed satisfaction with the result but emphasized that there’s still more work to be done.
JORGE BRAZ’S COMMENTS:
Match Analysis: “This was our first test. We weren’t at our best throughout and were often hesitant. It was useful for reestablishing the team’s dynamic. At times, we were too static and struggled to exploit the right spaces, especially given Uzbekistan’s intriguing defensive variability. Venancio remains one of the best coaches in the world, and his adaptability posed challenges for us that we didn’t always manage well. We started to come together defensively, though our attack wasn’t always effective, which is understandable in a first game. We always aim higher, but considering the preparation stage we’re in, it was a decent first friendly. It wasn’t perfect today, but that’s part of the process we need to solidify.”
Preview of the Angola Match: “We have seven games that will each offer something different. Angola will be a different challenge, but an interesting one as well. They bring a joyful African style and great ball control. They’ve grown significantly, having finished as runners-up in their last African competition, and they’ll come into this match with confidence. They’ll present us with different challenges, which we welcome, as they’ll help us find solutions and refine our process. That’s what matters. Our training process will be highly demanding, and these competitive moments will help us solidify it. The result is the least important aspect.”
BRUNO COELHO’S COMMENTS:
Match Analysis: “Our main focus is on preparation. We’ve been training hard, and today was another step in getting ready for what’s ahead in a month. That’s our top priority. Expectations are high, and the team is coming together well—we’re already like a family. Now we need to keep preparing because we know exactly what we want, where we’re headed, and we’ll keep working towards that. The focus is on the National Team and achieving the objectives set by the Coach, which is where my focus lies.”
ANDRÉ CORREIA’S COMMENTS:
Match Analysis: “They were a tough opponent, one that competes well. Their aggression in individual duels can make the game difficult for any team, and we were no exception. We came into this match after two weeks of intense work, aiming to get our physical condition right so that we’re prepared for our ultimate goal.”