João Cancelo Thanks Martínez: "Normally When That Happens, I'm Benched"

João Cancelo highlighted Portugal's change in "attitude" during their dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, especially when compared to their opening World Cup match. The right-back analyzed the Seleção's first win in the tournament in an interview with LiveMode: "We knew from the start that Uzbekistan was a weaker team, just as DR Congo supposedly was. But what made the difference from the first game was our attitude. From the beginning, we didn't let them breathe; we pressed high."

"There were still moments in the first half where we dropped our block, which a team like ours shouldn't do, but it was a thoroughly deserved victory," he noted. Cancelo's ambition is clear: "We know the individual talent we possess and that we are one of the favorites, without taking anything away from the other national teams."

Cancelo offered a self-assessment of his performances in the first two World Cup matches. Roberto Martínez's reaction after the draw against DR Congo prompted a word of thanks: "I feel I didn't play a great game [against DR Congo]. I want to express my appreciation to the coach. When that happens, normally, I'd be benched for the next game. But he continued to believe in me."

"I only played 45 minutes, but I was hoping to have a great game and help the team secure the three points. Fortunately, we succeeded, and the entire squad deserves congratulations," he emphasized. Cancelo, however, expressed regret about not being on the field in the second half... to finish a set-piece routine: "We have a range of set-pieces that, unfortunately, we couldn't use against DR Congo. Today, there was one for me to strike in the second half, but the coach took me off earlier. [laughs]"

Former Portuguese international Ricardo Quaresma also joined the conversation. Cancelo's former national team colleague praised him and highlighted his improved performance from the first to the second World Cup match: "I've always loved watching him play. I always thought he was a star, and I was disappointed by his game against DR Congo. He showed today what he's capable of; this is the Cancelo we want. When he's on form, the national team thrives."

The two first faced each other in Cancelo's senior debut for Benfica in the league against FC Porto on May 10, 2014. "He debuted against me; he was still a kid. I told him to keep going because he was a star; I already knew him from the B team," Quaresma recounted.

"Today, we have a superstar whom people don't always appreciate enough. He's played for big clubs and always as a starter. Many players go to big clubs and don't get to play," he stressed.