Soccer
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez believes their friendly against Chile was “a good match” to prepare for their World Cup opener.
Both teams saw red in first-half stoppage-time as Portugal ran out 2-1 winners at Estadio Nacional, with Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes getting on the scoresheet for the home side.
Rafael Leao was sent off just before the break for violent conduct, with Chile’s Ivan Roman also shown a red card in the same altercation as tempers flared in Lisbon.
Nevertheless, Portugal came out on top when it was 10 against 10; Martinez’s side are now unbeaten in all three of their warm-up games, defeating the United States 2-0 after a goalless draw with Mexico.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17, before also facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in the group stage.
Martinez believes their experience of playing with 10 men could help when facing South American countries, such as Colombia.
“I liked many things,” said Martinez after the win over Chile.
𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗦. #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/GhhddDlmo3
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 6, 2026
“First, as we discussed earlier, in the World Cup we have to be prepared for surprises. The red card forced us to play with ten men against ten, with more space and more duels.
“It’s very good that it happened now, because South American teams are used to that kind of thing. We’re going to face Colombia, and it could happen.
“There were some very good aspects and others that weren’t so good.
“Overall, what we showed as a team, we’re starting to gel, and we won a match despite the surprise of playing with ten men in the second half.”
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