Portugal face Nigeria in final friendly as Martínez targets World Cup glory

Last test before it gets real

Portugal face Nigeria on Wednesday in their final friendly before the World Cup kicks off. This is the last chance for Roberto Martínez to fine-tune things before the group opener against DR Congo on June 17.

Martínez plans to give minutes to almost the entire squad. "A força de Portugal é o compromisso de todos," he said (4). He also confirmed that five or six players, plus Diogo Costa, missed the USA friendly earlier in camp, so this Nigeria match is critical to getting everyone sharp (3).

The last outing was a 2–1 win over Chile. Rafael Leão and Cristiano Ronaldo both featured in that one (1).

Martínez: "The idea is to win everything"

The manager is not hiding his ambition. "A ideia é ganhar tudo, os oito jogos. Nos 90', 120' ou nos penáltis," Martínez said ahead of the tournament (2). He also brushed off comments from FPF president Pedro Proença about expectations: "O presidente tem a sua opinião. Para mim, o Mundial são três jogos" (5).

Francisco Trincão is on the same wavelength. He said Portugal must believe they can "fazer algo bonito" at this World Cup (13).

DR Congo stumble in their final warm-up

Portugal's first group opponent, DR Congo, lost 2–1 to Chile in their own preparation match (6). Not the send-off they wanted. Chile pressed them hard and left them shaken heading into the tournament (12). You take that as a positive sign going into June 17.

Mourinho to Real Madrid, confirmed

Benfica have made it official: José Mourinho is leaving for Real Madrid. The release clause was met at €15 million, and Mourinho gave his approval. Benfica's statement was brief: "Obrigado, José Mourinho" (10).

Quick hits

Trincão is excited about his first World Cup, calling it a dream and believing the squad has the quality to go deep (13). Portugal return to Nations League A despite a 3–1 loss to Finland, having already secured the group on the final matchday (7) (9). On the women's side, Dolores Silva said the team is aiming for a World Cup spot after promotion to League A: "Queremos dar tudo para meter Portugal no Mundial" (11).

Fan reactions

Reddit is in a reflective mood ahead of the tournament. A side-by-side look at Portugal's midfield from the 2010 World Cup to today has fans debating the evolution of the national team's engine room over four tournament cycles. See the thread.