Roberto Martinez took Cristiano Ronaldo off simply after the hour mark in opposition to Poland however assured he was solely managing the 39-year-old’s minutes.
Ronaldo was on track 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 purpose ensured Portugal stored their 100% file, and they’re the one staff 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 purpose, within the 63rd minute, having had three pictures and accumulating 1.43 anticipated targets (xG).
And Martinez insisted Ronaldo would have an element to play in opposition to Scotland as he praised the staff’s resilience to get the win over the road.
“It’s a part of managing gamers when you’ve two video games in 72 hours. Diogo Jota got here on very nicely. Cristiano is ideal,” Martinez stated.
“The primary half was superb. We managed the sport, created alternatives, had superb synchronisation as a staff, defended Poland’s strengths very nicely 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 purpose was a troublesome second, and it was nice to see the response and rating one other purpose. General, an excellent efficiency.
“The problem is 2 away video games. 72 hours, recovering nicely. 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, probably the most of any participant on the staff, and helped restrict Robert Lewandowski to only two pictures, neither of which had been on track.
“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 massive areas, play within the air, in opposition to a Poland aspect that could be very sturdy in set items.
“It was a unbelievable debut. With a striker like Lewandowski, I feel it’s a debut that exhibits Renato’s potential and the way he’s working in the intervening time.”