Portugal “did not put enough intensity” against a Georgia team which wanted to “make history”, commented coach Roberto Martinez on Wednesday after the 2-0 defeat at the end of the first round.
The Spaniard had decided to field a team of usual substitutes, with the exception of goalkeeper Diogo Costa and captain Cristiano Ronaldo, for this last group match without any accounting issues for him. The Seleçao was already assured of finishing at the top of Group F after two initial victories against the Czech Republic (2-1) and Turkey (3-0).
“We started with too little intensity, we conceded a goal quickly and that’s what Georgia needed. Their goalkeeper put in a remarkable performance”Martinez commented in the post-match conference. Then, “we tried to score, we couldn’t and that made them hope even more. Their victory is deserved”he said. “We didn’t underestimate Georgia, but they were playing a game to make history”he added. “They showed incredible faith and they managed to maintain their level of intensity”.
As for Willy Sagnol, “the coach did an incredible job and they deserve what they achieved”. In the round of 16, Portugal will face Slovenia on July 1. Georgia will play against Spain the day before.
