Portugal. The team has memory

The European zone's qualifying round will determine the 16 teams that will represent the old continent at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada – the largest tournament in history, with 48 nations, 16 more than at Qatar 2022. Portugal is only now beginning the qualifying phase, having been competing in the Nations League, a competition it won brilliantly by beating Germany and, in the final, Spain.

The national team is naturally motivated for the double-header against Armenia (tomorrow, at 5:00 p.m.) and Hungary (on the 9th, at 7:45 p.m.), although they haven't forgotten the loss of a teammate, Diogo Jota, and his brother André Silva. Diogo Jota's absence is difficult to bear, and on Saturday, when the team enters Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium in Yeravan, the emotion and sense of loss will be even greater. However, everyone knows there is a goal to achieve: a place in next year's World Cup (June 11th to July 19th), and perhaps even winning it in memory of Diogo Jota. "We already had a strong desire to win a World Cup with Portugal, now we have even greater strength," said Rúben Neves.

Roberto Martínez said that the passing of a colleague will be a unifying force: "We know what he meant to each of us. The loss was very difficult to accept and taught us a life lesson. The messages and displays of affection for Diogo Jota give us an idea of ​​his value as a human being."

The match in Armenia marks the beginning of the World Cup cycle, which begins with a heavy burden. "We want to honor his memory every day. He will be with us and will be another force in achieving our goal. We will win for Diogo, for his brother André, and for all the Portuguese people. We selected 23+1," explained the national coach. Everyone in the group wanted Diogo Jota to be present in every match, and that was achieved. Jota's number 21 jersey passes to Rúben Neves, his closest friend. "It was a decision made by Diogo Jota's family," Roberto Martínez insisted.

The national team gathered at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras on Tuesday, in a difficult and emotional reunion for the Portuguese national team. The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, took advantage of the moment to posthumously award Diogo Jota the Order of Merit. The family of former international Jorge Costa, who recently passed away, received identical insignia.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro joined in the tribute, awarding both players the Athlete of Merit Medal. André Silva, Diogo Jota's brother, was also remembered.

Accessible group

Portugal is in Group F with Armenia, Hungary, and Ireland, meaning they have six games to win and secure direct qualification for the World Cup. The national team's record clearly favors Portugal. The national team has faced Armenia six times, winning four and drawing two. In theory, it's the weakest team in the group. However, Portugal has only won by two goals once (in 1997). The other opponents have been easier to beat. The last time they met was in Euro 2016 qualifying, and Portugal won in Yerevan (3-2). Of the nine goals scored, five were scored by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hungary is a longtime opponent: their first meeting was in 1926! They're a quality team, but they pose other challenges. The two countries have met 14 times, with Portugal winning 10 and drawing four. They've scored 34 goals, six of which were scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, and conceded only 10. Their last meeting was at Euro 2020, and Portugal won comfortably (3-0) at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

Their record against the Republic of Ireland is less comfortable, as evidenced by the fact that Portugal has never won on Irish soil in an official match. They have played 16 matches, winning nine, losing four, and drawing three. The last time they met was in a Euro 2024 warm-up match, which Portugal won 3-0 in Aveiro. Portugal has scored 26 goals and conceded 11, and captain Ronaldo is once again the top scorer with four goals.

World Dream

Portugal is aiming to reach the final stage of a World Cup for the ninth time, and Roberto Martínez hopes to make it three. If he succeeds, he will become the Spanish coach with the most appearances in the competition, ahead of Vicente del Bosque.

The Portuguese team is the clear favorite, but the coach isn't expecting an easy ride. "Being a favorite can be deceiving, and we're never safe from a trap," he told FIFA's website . "With only six games to play, the margin for error is more limited than usual. No player takes any game lightly. Therefore, we're focused on our objective; we know what we need to do to secure our place," Roberto Martínez emphasized.

Starting qualifying with a double away matchday doesn't sit well with the coach: " The calendar begins with two away games, with all that entails in terms of training between games." He explained why: "In September, there's always a certain instability, because some players change clubs and others are in better shape than others. This month has a complex nature that needs to be carefully addressed."

In an analysis of the opponents, he emphasized: "These days, all teams are well prepared to face any opponent. Armenia and Hungary are completely different teams, and we are aware of the difficulties of the two September matches. Armenia is playing its first qualifying match at home, and that is important from an emotional standpoint. Hungary has been coached by the same coach for many years. His playing philosophy is clear, he makes good use of the qualities of a player like Szoboszlai and is very effective defensively."

CALENDAR

6/9 Armenia-Portugal9/9 Hungary-Portugal11/10 Portugal-Ireland14/10 Portugal-Hungary13/11 Ireland-Portugal

16/11 Portugal-Armenia