Bruno Fernandes is happy to see that pessimism is spreading regarding Portugal’s chances of making it to the Euros.
In March of 2023, the Portuguese continued their perfect season with a win over Sweden. However, since then, they have lost two of their last three matches, against Slovenia and Croatia.
Some even said that last week’s 4-2 victory over Finland was too sloppy, given that it was against a middle-ranked European team.
If Ireland has any problems in Tuesday’s farewell friendly in Aveiro, it might dampen their spirits before their trip to Germany next week; they are currently 60th in Fifa’s rankings.
An English Premier League star from Manchester United, Fernandes, stated, “I like this negativity of thinking that the national team is not that good.” Some other English Premier League players are anticipated to start.
The public has high hopes for the national team, and we’re more than capable of living up to those expectations.
For our part, we’re cognizant of the fact that we have a chance to make amends in this match against Ireland.
When asked about the wisdom of testing teams like Ireland, Fernandes had to address questions of how only teams like Croatia offer true insight. Group F consists of the 2016 winners, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Georgia.
Now we have a physically powerful Irish squad that is threatening from set pieces and extremely well-organized defensively; before that, we had a low-blocking Finland, a possession-minded Croatia, and a quality one-on-one squad.
These are characteristics that each of these teams can have.
Planning ahead for all these challenges is the best way to be ready for anything. We could have capitalized more by inflicting more harm, but Croatia took too many risks.
Even though it was our second loss in a row, our expectations for the European Championship remain unchanged.
Since we despise losing, we were determined not to do it. We aim to compete with the best, and we are now at their level.
Last week, England, widely believed to be the tournament’s strongest squad, fell to Iceland. Our preparations for the Euros will be complete after we play Ireland.
The first two friendlies in Portugal’s triple header were more about getting some playing time and trying out different formations, but the match against Ireland should feature a starting lineup closer to the starting eleven.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo and, maybe, Pepe, who is 41 years old, will be thrown into the lineup.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez emphasized the importance of attacking and defending with 11 players.
“Ronaldo shows off his extensive expertise. This is his sixth European game, and no player has played more than five.
His final few games with us were flawless because he is a finisher, knows how to use area space, is a great player, and has perfect attention and reaction times after losses.
Cristiano is ideal for playing in the starting lineup tomorrow alongside Rúben (Dias), Pepe, and others.
Ronaldo played in all 51 games without a hitch this season. He proved he can play every four days, however the evidence at club level differs from that for the Seleção. Everything will be OK.