“We are ready to win the final” - Roberto Martinez makes confident claim about Portugal ahead of Nations League final vs Spain
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is confident that his team can defeat Spain in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final. The two sides are set to face off on Sunday, June 8, at the Allianz Arena for the continental showpiece.
Portugal booked their spot in the final after defeating Germany 2-1 in the semi-finals, while Luis de la Fuente’s men entered the final for a second consecutive time after a thrilling 5-4 win against France. Both sides will be keen on becoming the first team to win the competition for the second time. Spain are the defending champions while Portugal won the inaugural edition.
Going into the match, Spain are arguably the top dogs given their current run of form. However, Roberto Martinez thinks his side could get the better of the Euro 2024 champions in the final if they replicate the "fight and resilience" they showed against Germany in the semi-finals.
He said (via Ojogo.pt):
"I would say the focus is on what we can do. If our performance is the same as we had in the semi-final, I really believe in what we can do. We have a great opponent, European and Nations League champions, but this is not a game for technical and tactical reasons, it is to show the resilience we showed against Germany.
"I think we are ready to win the final. Before the semi-final we had to gain confidence to play against a team that had played a very good number of home games, to do it in front of their fans after 25 years without beating them and conceding the first goal. If tomorrow we show the same dedication, fight and resilience, we are ready to win the final."
The two sides have met 40 times, and Spain have had the better record so far with 17 wins as opposed to Portugal’s six.
"The focus is on winning the final" - Roberto Martinez if Portugal pipping Spain to the Nations League title will feel special to him
Portugal’s upcoming Nations League final match with Spain will see Roberto Martinez go against his own nation. The Seleção das Quinas boss is a Spaniard by birth, but he has a job to do.
When asked if being able to win the title against Spain will feel special to him, he said:
"There's a sentimental aspect, of course, I'm Spanish, but that's a conversation I'll have with my grandchildren in 10 or 15 years. The focus is on winning the final. Normality and working hard to prepare for a final that will be the fourth in Portugal's history. Because of that responsibility, we have to give our best."
The last time both teams faced off was in the group stages of the Nations League in 2022, and Spain came out on top with a 1-0 win.
