Portuguese President: Portugal will succeed in the World Cup, I will go to the games even at my own expense

November 17th: Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was interviewed after the Portuguese team defeated Armenia 9-1 and successfully qualified for the 2026 World Cup. He talked about this historic victory, Ronaldo's absence, coach Roberto Martinez and other topics.

About the victory and promotion

"This is an unforgettable game for me and many Portuguese people. We have experienced more exciting victories, but a 9-1 score is very rare. The score could have expanded to 10-1 or even 11-1. The energy, level and rhythm displayed by the team were outstanding and unique."

"Seeing so many young guys here, they will definitely remember tonight. We qualified for the World Cup finals, and coincidentally, I was scheduled to present the Nations League Champions Medal today. It is a beautiful combination, we won the Nations League, awarding medals after a great game, which also marks the completion of a cycle, starting with Euro 2016 Let's start with this qualifying. "

About Ronaldo's absence

"Cristiano Ronaldo will always have a place in our hearts, and this gratitude will not change. It must be very regretful that he was unable to be here today and missed a crucial game."

About the coach

"Also mention Roberto Martine. Si, this is the recognition he deserves. There were people who doubted that he was qualified. I still remember that at the first team dinner, there was a table of players and a table of coaches, and some people said that they would not communicate with each other, but he persisted and seized the opportunity and reached the heights he deserved. Although there were twists and turns in the process, the 9-1 victory belongs to each of us."

Can Portugal win the championship? Will you go to the game?

"Of course, I am optimistic about the team winning the championship. The Chairman of the Football Association and the Prime Minister and I believe that Portugal will succeed in the World Cup. If invited, I will definitely go, and even if not, I will go to one or two games even at my own expense."