Euro U-21 2023 – “Martinez thought many Belgians would already be in the first team”, says Rui Jorge

“He also stressed that it is a team with great strength,” added Rui Jorge. Martinez made the trip to Georgia this past Saturday. But due to a late flight, he was unable to attend the match against the Netherlands. “He could have given up when he found out, but he came to meet the players. It’s a sign of respect. The staff saw it that way. I think the players too,” said Rui Jorge. Rui Jorge warned of the pace of Belgium’s attack. We must be careful in depth. We will have to provide more quality in attack and take advantage of our chances. According to the Portuguese coach, it will be a duel between “two great teams who can create opportunities and who must impose themselves to qualify.” At the bottom of the group, Portugal must win (1 point) to maintain any hope of qualification, while a split may be enough for Belgium (2 points) depending on the outcome of the other meeting between Georgia (4 points) and the Netherlands (2 points). The Portuguese lost against Georgia (2-0) and shared against the Netherlands (1-1). “Regardless of the outcome, the game against Georgia is closer to our standards, we like to get the ball and play the last 30 metres. Against the Netherlands we didn’t play our game. The Netherlands pressed hard and we didn’t know what to do with the ball,” analyzed Rui Jorge (belga)