Roberto Martínez: «Set pieces have been a very well-worked aspect»

National coach Roberto Martínez previewed Portugal's World Cup 2026 Group K opener against DR Congo early Wednesday morning. The manager praised the national team's first opponent in the World Cup.

«We must have immense respect for what DR Congo is achieving under their coach. They've played, I believe, 48 matches with the same coach. They had a spectacular qualifying campaign, eliminating Cameroon and Nigeria, and then winning the continental play-off. They are, I would say, tactically flexible. It's not just about defending in a low block. We experienced this with Nigeria. African teams are very well-developed. They can press in a mid-block, or high. They are aggressive, enjoy physical duels, and a vertical game. They exploit space very effectively. They have players who compete in Europe's top leagues. We deeply respect DR Congo as a national team. The game against Nigeria clearly demonstrates what African teams are capable of. There are many similarities. They are flexible, with many players in central areas. They are a team that thrives on physical challenges and plays very vertically,» the coach began, offering his praise.

«Set pieces are an ongoing process. We've been working with our national team for 40 games now. We have many takers, both left-footed and right-footed. No single player takes all the set pieces. We have a strategy, depending on the game and the opponent. Set pieces have been a very well-worked aspect,» Roberto Martínez continued.