“It’s very clear what we want to do” - Portugal boss Roberto Martinez says 24-year-old is only guaranteed starter for Euro 2024 clash vs Czechia
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has claimed that goalkeeper Diogo Costa is the only guaranteed starter in their Euro 2024 opener against Czech Republic, surprisingly omitting Cristiano Ronaldo. A Seleção will begin their Euro 2024 campaign at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig on Tuesday, June 18.
Portugal will be aiming to win their second Euros trophy after enjoying a perfect run in the Euro qualifiers - winning all 10 of their games. They also emphatically defeated Ireland 3-0 in their last appearance (June 11), showing the quality of their squad.
A Seleção boast a good mix of veteran players and budding talent. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Joao Neves are expected to shine at Euro 2024. Despite this, in their pre-match press conference, Martinez has claimed only Costa is guaranteed a starting spot in the XI.
Martinez was asked:
"Are you going to play with two or three central defenders?"
To which he replied (via O Jogo):
"I can't reveal it yet. They need to wait 24 hours. It's close. It's very clear what we want to do, but I haven't spoken to the players yet and we still have training. I can say that Diogo Costa will be in goal. I spoke to the three goalkeepers and the goalkeeper needs different preparation the day before the game."
Diogo Costa made his debut for Portugal in October 2021 before replacing Rui Patricio in the starting XI during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Porto star has fared well ever since, keeping 12 clean sheets in 22 appearances across all competitions for his nation.
Portugal star Ruben Dias waxes lyrical about Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Euro 2024
Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias has praised Cristiano Ronaldo's longevity with the national team ahead of Euro 2024. Dias admitted Ronaldo's inclusion is an inspiration for them all as they look to secure the trophy this summer.
Ronaldo is arguably Portugal's greatest-ever player, guiding them to Euro 2016 glory, as well as the 2019 UEFA Nations League. His experience of five Euros will be invaluable for Roberto Martinez and Co.
In a recent interview, Dias said (via O Jogo):
"He is an inspiration. He represents what you can dream and achieve. It's a pleasure to have him with us. Him being with us at this moment in his career represents that he wants to be here with us, he will be here until the end. He’s our captain."
In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the highest international goalscorer of all time, netting 130 goals and 46 assists in 207 appearances across all competitions for Portugal.