Did Portugal Deserve to Win the Trophy? Coach Martinez Thinks So!
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Synopsis
In a thrilling final, Portugal claimed their second Nations League title by overcoming Spain in a penalty shootout. Coach Roberto Martínez highlighted the team's remarkable resilience and character, declaring their deserving nature of the victory. Read on to discover the pivotal moments that led to this historic achievement and the insights from Martínez himself.
Key Takeaways
- Portugal's victory marks their second UEFA Nations League title.
- The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Portugal winning 5-3 on penalties.
- Coach Roberto Martínez highlighted the importance of team resilience.
- Cristiano Ronaldo made history as the oldest player to score in a Nations League final.
- Spain scored the most goals in a single Nations League edition.
Munich, June 9 (NationPress) After securing their second Nations League title by defeating their Iberian rivals, Spain, 5-3 in a penalty shootout, Portugal's head coach Roberto Martínez commended the team's exceptional resilience and character during the grueling match, asserting that his squad truly deserved to clinch the title.
With this victory, Portugal has become the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League twice, triumphing over Spain after a dramatic 2-2 draw in the final held at the Munich Football Arena.
"I feel very proud. Winning finals is crucial. A team must be able to endure challenges, demonstrate resilience, and maintain belief even when Spain scores. We fought back and exhibited an incredible personality. This is a team rich in experience with finals. I admired our attitude and our ability to progress throughout the match. I firmly believe we earned the trophy," Martínez expressed.
The coach emphasized the significance of contributions from the entire squad beyond just the starting eleven. "Having more than 11 players is vital. This match was physically demanding, but I believe it was even more so mentally. We needed to avoid recklessly trying to win the ball and exposing ourselves to Spain's offense.
"Our strategies were solid. When we had possession, we clearly understood how to generate threats. The substitutes played a crucial role in enhancing our final performance," he added.
Addressing the external noise surrounding his position, Martínez stated, "Noise is just that—noise. We are aware of the opinions surrounding the coaching role. Some are heartfelt, others not so much. It’s unfortunate because we all strive for the betterment of Portuguese football. Today's performance was a testament to that. We have a team to be proud of."
Spain netted 25 goals in ten matches during the 2024/25 Nations League, marking the highest tally by any team in a single edition of the tournament. Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo made history as the first player over 40 to participate and score in a final. Previously, the oldest player to feature was Luka Modric at 37 years and 282 days against Spain in 2023.
Point of View
I observe that this victory for Portugal underlines their growing strength in international football. Coach Martínez’s focus on resilience and teamwork demonstrates his commitment to elevating Portuguese football, which is crucial for its future success on the global stage.
NationPress
24/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Nations League match?
The final score was 2-2, with Portugal winning 5-3 on penalties.
Who is the coach of the Portugal national team?
The coach of the Portugal national team is Roberto Martínez.
What record did Cristiano Ronaldo set in this match?
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player over 40 to play and score in a Nations League final.
How many Nations League titles has Portugal won?
Portugal has won the UEFA Nations League title twice.
What did the coach say about the team's performance?
Coach Martínez praised the team's resilience and emphasized their deserving nature of the trophy.
