Portugal vs Armenia: What Martínez Said About the Line-up, Ronaldo, and the Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
On the eve of the final 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Armenia, Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez and midfielder Bruno Fernandes spoke at a press conference in Porto. The match at Dragão will take place on November 16 and will be the last fixture of the qualifying cycle.
If Portugal wins, it will finish first in Group F and qualify directly for the World Cup. In case of a defeat, Hungary could overtake Portugal if it beats Ireland.
Recall that Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the match due to suspension.
Press Conference with Roberto Martínez and Bruno Fernandes Ahead of Portugal vs Armenia
Roberto Martínez: “We respect Armenia a lot”
Portugal’s head coach gave a detailed assessment of the upcoming opponent, noting that Armenia’s strengths have become increasingly evident.
According to Martínez, Armenia has significantly improved under its new coach:
“Many didn’t know what to expect from Armenia. The new coach had little time before our first meeting, but the team is smart, knows how to play, and has creative potential. Defensively, they have an organized line of five. Armenia played good matches against Ireland; they were simply unlucky. This is a very competitive team, and we respect them. I liked the work of their coach.”
On the Line-up: “Gonçalo Ramos is an important player”
The Portugal coach did not reveal the starting XI but highlighted forward Gonçalo Ramos:
“We still have a training session left. We always try to have two players for every position. Gonçalo is a natural forward who has already shown good moments for the national team. He has the best minutes-per-goal ratio in European competitions. I can’t name the starting XI, but he will be important.”
On Ronaldo’s Situation: “It’s disrespectful to ask such questions”
A major topic was Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension.
“We have a clear principle: if a player is injured or suspended, he cannot be with the team. Such questions are disrespectful to Ronaldo and to those who are here now. His dedication is impeccable. He simply cannot be with the team at the moment,” Martínez emphasized.
Commenting on Ronaldo’s red card, Martínez added:
“It was a reaction to provocation that had started early in the game. It wasn’t violence. We will try to prove this, because a long suspension would be unfair.”
On Fan Support: “The team loves playing in this atmosphere”
The coach reminded that Porto has always brought positive emotions to the national team:
“In Porto we had big moments — qualifying for the Euros against Slovakia, beating Poland. Ireland used its home stadium very well, and we can do the same. The team loves playing while feeling the strength of our fans. It makes the difference.”
On the Reaction to Defeat: “Sadness is an opportunity”
Martínez noted that the team reacted properly to the loss to Ireland:
“Yesterday the players were full of energy. We use every match, even a defeat, to grow. Sadness is an opportunity. Tomorrow we want to show our level — respecting Armenia but aiming to finish the qualification on a high note.”
Bruno Fernandes: “We always play to win”
Portugal’s midfielder also stressed that the team’s mentality remains strong.
On Portugal’s Objectives: “The goal is to win every match”
Fernandes reaffirmed the team’s ambitions:
“Portugal’s goal is to win, regardless of the opponent. We always aim to win. The dream of becoming world champions never disappears, but to make it real, we must win each match ahead of us. Right now the most important thing is to beat Armenia.”
On Armenia: “A fast, aggressive, and quality team”
“We’ve already played Armenia. They are a team with high attacking speed, a strong and aggressive midfield. We know the difficulties they can create. But the main thing is to impose our game and use our strengths.”
On Breaking Down a Low Block
Fernandes explained what Portugal must do against a deep defensive structure:
“We need to move the ball faster, stretch the opponent, and switch the play. We need to enter the box more often, give more support to the forwards, and create chaos in the opponent’s defense.”
On Ronaldo’s Red Card
“It was just a football moment. Cristiano reacted in a way he didn’t intend, and it cost the team. He knows he made a mistake, but such moments happen,” Fernandes said.
On the Match Against Ireland
“Ireland defended well; we moved the ball too slowly. We needed to be quicker and more direct. But we analyze mistakes the same way — in wins or in losses,” he concluded.
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