On Friday night, Portugal defeated Andorra 7-2 in the opening round of EURO 2026 qualifiers. After the match, the national coach shared his thoughts on the victory in statements released by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
Match Analysis
The coach highlighted the team’s approach: “Simplify the game, move the ball, find the right spaces, and create opportunities. Andorra capitalized on two transitions and tried to stay in the match, but it was clear that the scoreline could have been even higher. I’m pleased with the result—we secured three points and overcame challenges we needed to address. Sometimes, people assume matches like this will be easy, but while it was a comfortable win, we had to work through the obstacles presented.”
Areas for Improvement
Reflecting on the team’s performance, he said, “We responded well, stayed composed, and adjusted. In the first half, we were a bit hesitant, which gave Andorra some confidence and allowed them to take the lead. That gave them a boost, but we managed to regain control and turn the game around.”
Playing in Andorra
The coach also expressed gratitude for the support from fans: “It was incredible to hear so many Portuguese voices, to feel their presence and encouragement. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to cheer us on—it truly means a lot.”