Roberto Martinez took Cristiano Ronaldo off simply after the hour mark towards Poland however assured he was solely managing the 39-year-old’s minutes.
Ronaldo was on course for Portugal of their 3-1 win over Poland, doubling their tally after Bernardo Silva’s opener.
Piotr Zielinski offered the Selecao with a late scare, however Jan Bednarek’s personal aim ensured Portugal stored their 100% file, and they’re the one crew to win all three video games to this point in League A.
The Portugal captain was changed by Diogo Jota, who had a hand of their third aim, within the 63rd minute, having had three pictures and accumulating 1.43 anticipated targets (xG).
And Martinez insisted Ronaldo would have a component to play towards Scotland as he praised the crew’s resilience to get the win over the road.
“It’s a part of managing gamers when you’ve got two video games in 72 hours. Diogo Jota got here on very properly. Cristiano is ideal,” Martinez stated.
“The primary half was excellent. We managed the sport, created alternatives, had excellent synchronisation as a crew, defended Poland’s strengths very properly and scored nice targets.
“I’m pleased with the brand new gamers who got here in, it appears they’ve a number of worldwide caps.
“Conceding a aim was a tough second, and it was nice to see the response and rating one other aim. General, an excellent efficiency.
“The problem is 2 away video games. 72 hours, recovering properly. The gamers confirmed all their dedication throughout coaching and work on the Soccer Metropolis.”
Vitória importante na Liga das Nações. Obrigado pelo apoio de todos, vamos com tudo! pic.twitter.com/ycbL9iSJXK
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 12, 2024
Martinez was additionally impressed by debutant Renato Veiga, who began alongside Ruben Dias at centre-back.
The Chelsea defender made seven clearances, essentially the most of any participant on the crew, and helped restrict Robert Lewandowski to simply two pictures, neither of which have been on course.
“He has a really particular profile. In his first coaching session, he confirmed that he gained maturity in the course of the September coaching camp,” Martinez added.
“He’s an aggressive participant, with nice communication expertise, who can defend giant areas, play within the air, towards a Poland aspect that could be very robust in set items.
“It was a incredible debut. With a striker like Lewandowski, I believe it’s a debut that reveals Renato’s potential and the way he’s working in the intervening time.”
