On June 4, Portugal Germany beat 2-1 in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League. During the press conference after the game, Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez spoke about the team's performance and said that the Vitinha season was worth the Ballon d'Or.
⸻
Vitinha came from the bank in this competition – would you support him to compete for the balloon d'Or?
Martínez:
“Vitinha's versions are clearly visible this season. There is no doubt for me – he was an important player in PSG who won all those awards. I believe, with his style and efficiency, Vitinha deserves the balloon d'Or.”
On the competition itself:
“I already said yesterday that assessing all players and balancing the team is important. A good start was of vital importance for us, because Germany plays at home with a lot of energy and pace. But we also had to end strong, and we did very well.”
“João Neves was excellent for the hour he played. Nuno Mendes played the full game, but playing extra time would have been very difficult. Gonçalo Ramos was in good shape, and it was important for us that Vitinha came in late to finish it.”
“He can have an impact in the regular time or extra time. Portugal needs tactical flexibility – and we have demonstrated that. We also need more than just 11 players. Today the replacements of Semedo, Young Conceição and Vitinha have added a lot to our game and we have still closed well.
“Today we have proven that we can go toe with a team like Germany, and with substitutions and various tactical approaches, we have added variation to our game.”
⸻
The key to this victory was the team's reaction after admitting and the high intensive game for 40 minutes. How do you explain this, especially since the players at this stage are physically exhausted?
“I spoke about the dedication of the players-playing for Portugal. When we have clear goals, high intensity becomes part of our identity. Tactically was a huge challenge today. Germany took risks, opened the game and created one-on-one situations it was a mental challenge.”
“We played Germany away. People spoke about the last five games between Portugal and Germany – our last victory was 25 years ago. I think the goal we admitted should not have been. I don't understand why it was not ruled outside.”
“The mental side was crucial. We had to respond, believe in what we were doing, make the challenge of taking on and taking risks – and all that required intensity. Our strong reaction was due to an excellent tactical version, the result of two and a half years of work – not only two days. I am extremely satisfied and proud because this was a massive psychological test.
⸻
Would Portugal prefer France or Spain in the final?
“I had never spoken about that before, because I thought it was more important to concentrate on this competition. Germany face in a semi -final and preparing itself in just two days is extremely difficult.”
“Now things are different we have 24 hours of rest, which is a huge advantage. We are talking about France, a World Cup winning team and Spain, European champions you can't get more difficult than that.”
“It is a huge challenge, but one that we can face. I am very happy that we have won this competition in Germany, especially for our fans abroad. I think they will earn even more during the euros. With whom we come across, they will be strong.”
⸻
What is the meaning of this victory?
“This was a historic match filled with psychological challenges. I want to congratulate coach Humberto Coelho – we talked about the match against germany 25 years ago. The mental side is key. This was a deserved victory. CHANSS.
⸻
What do you think of Portugal's trip and today's competition?
“I don't like to say too much – just look at the facts. This is the national team with the highest profit percentage in recent years. We have scored the most goals, earned the most points – then there is the flexibility and dedication of this team … We can play better or worse, but our dedication is not with each other.
⸻
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored five goals in five games against Germany – does that offer extra motivation?
“I don't think so. He always insists. He never loses his hunger to win, and that spirit is contagious. It is incredible – what drives him is not plates, but the chance to get better every day. That is extremely rare.”