The Portuguese national team resumed their preparations for the 2024 World Cup, securing a second positive result by defeating Angola, following their earlier victory over Uzbekistan on Friday.
After the match in Rio Maior, Tomás Paçó, Pany Varela, and coach Jorge Braz spoke to Channel 11, reflecting on this stage of preparation. They emphasized the team’s collective effort and discussed the objectives they aimed to achieve during the match.
DIRECT QUOTES FROM THE PLAYERS AND COACH
Tomás Paçó: “Angola started the game strongly. They are a confident side, with players who possess great technique and speed, which can create challenges for the opposition. We were a bit reserved in the first half. In these games, the process is what matters. At halftime, the coach reminded us to stay true to our identity and implement what we’ve been working on.”
Pany Varela: “The key is to reach the World Cup with all the right elements in place because we’ll need to be 100 percent sharp and focused. We must first focus on the group stage before thinking ahead. There’s no point in aiming for the title without first laying the groundwork. It’s been two weeks of intense but enjoyable work. The National Team is much larger than the squad here, and those of us present need to give our all to honor the badge on our chest and also represent those who are not here.”
Jorge Braz: “We faced various challenges. Angola’s creativity and attacking spirit required us to adapt, and our defensive intensity wasn’t always at the right level. The team showed great solidarity. I believe Angola could pull off some interesting surprises in the World Cup. In the second half, we made adjustments, found ways to score, and turned the game in our favor. The defensive intensity and team unity improved. We truly played like Portugal in the second half, and the result was well deserved.”