Roberto Martinez says his Portugal gamers must be extra like Georgia within the Euro 2024 knockouts.
Euro 2016 winners Portugal had been shocked by the aspect ranked 74th on the earth in Gelsenkirchen within the Group F finale on Wednesday night time.
Martinez made eight modifications for the fixture, together with his aspect already assured of ending prime, however noticed their 12-match profitable run relationship again to Qatar 2022 ended by the minnows, who solely certified through the Nations League.
“It’s a defeat,” Martinez instructed uefa.com. “We began with low depth, we conceded early and that’s what Georgia wanted.
“We weren’t clear-headed sufficient with the final go and in entrance of purpose, and their goalkeeper had a tremendous efficiency. We tried to attain however couldn’t, and that made Georgia consider all of the extra. They deserved to win.”
Group F ✅
Portugal, Türkiye & Georgia undergo! 👏#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/z6pYkaXqMz
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 26, 2024
Martinez claimed his aspect had been unfortunate at occasions, however mentioned Georgia’s starvation proved the distinction.
“We tried to attain and at occasions we had been unfortunate. I don’t suppose it was techniques or gamers at present, I feel it was in regards to the energy and the depth that Georgia confirmed.
“We have to play at a excessive tempo, excessive depth. Georgia had been taking part in to be a part of historical past and we didn’t match them. They scored early then defended deep and hit us on the break.”
Slovenia are subsequent up in Frankfurt on Monday night time (8pm BST) and Martinez warned: “There aren’t any straightforward video games; at present was an ideal instance of that.
“Once we win, it’s not as a result of the sport is simple. We had a pleasant in opposition to Slovenia however it received’t be the identical on Sunday. They’re a nationwide crew who play like a membership aspect: very defensive, two very influential strikers and we’ll want to arrange properly.
“Shedding at present will put together our crew higher from a psychological standpoint.”
Count on the Portugal aide to bear little resemblance to the one which took the sector in opposition to Georgia, nonetheless.
“It was the final sport within the group stage,” Martinez mentioned. “It was a day to offer different gamers a chance, gamers that we have to see how they’re doing and who might help us.
“By making ready for the final 16, I imply particular person preparation; at present we needed to rotate, to offer different gamers some minutes and have the crew be extra able to play the final 16.”
