Jorge Braz, national coach, reacted to the draw (1-1) with Ukraine, in the preparation game for Euro 2026 held in Tavira.
«It was a competitive game, demanding and maximum intensity for the majority of the game. There were mistakes and both teams took advantage. This is top futsal. Satisfied with the delivery and commitment, with the way we competed throughout the game. Regardless of whether, here or there, we gave the opponent some opportunities, we created many goal situations. Now at the end, it was very interesting the way Ukraine took a risk and we had three chances to score,” he commented to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) media.
Jorge Braz, national coach – Photo: FPF
«I had said that this was an important moment of preparation and that was seen in this game. I’ve been saying for 20 years that the process is important so that we can then be ready at decisive moments. It was a good day of the process. Essentially, it’s important to have more confidence with the ball, build and force them to chase us. Commanding the game with the ball, in the first half we did it well in many moments. We had this organization in the first half, but in the second there were some hesitations. Pressing we had excellent moments. Having these moments for 40 minutes », he added, highlighting the human framework present in Tavira.
«I thank all the people who were here. The Algarve has always been very enthusiastic about futsal. Thank you for your support, may there be even greater numbers on Sunday», he added.
Silvestre Ferreira praised Ukraine and assured that the team did “everything” on the field.
«We knew the difficulties that Ukraine could cause us. It’s a very aggressive, very intense team. I think it was a good show, with both teams playing well. We gave everything on the field and it was a shame the result didn’t go our way. However, this is the path I take, taking into account what’s coming”, he said, pointing to the need to improve some aspects in the next game, again against Ukraine, on Sunday.
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Silvestre Ferreira – Photo: FPF
«There was no lack of intensity, both teams were very intense. We needed to be more assertive in front of the goal. These are things to improve for the next game. We were not satisfied with the result. It was a draw and we always fight to win, whether in preparation games or in the final stages. We are Portugal and whenever we are on the field it is with the intention of winning”, he concluded.
The quinas team is preparing to participate in the 2026 European Championship. Jorge Braz’s men, two-time defending European champions, are in Group D with Italy, Poland and Hungary.
