"Peace made? Peace with whom? The only thing we have to understand, and it was something conveyed to the athletes from the beginning of this championship, is that we cannot confuse strategy with organization or ambition. One needs to know a little more to be able to say certain things. What I can tell you is that these athletes are committed, they are organized, and they know very well what they have to do. Our first half against Spain was not the best, but everything was corrected, the attitude improved, and now we have to keep working always within the same framework. Now there is nothing to hide; it’s about trying to win every game to reach the final objective," said Reinaldo Ventura after the victory against the transalpine team, achieved still in the first half with four goals, before knowing the opponent in the quarter-finals. #HóqueiEmPatins #Mundial2026 #Portugal (translated)
Reinaldo Ventura
I must emphasize the effort of the athletes despite the results having been accumulating. Reinaldo Ventura, making his debut as coach after having competed in numerous World and European Championships as a player, expressed satisfaction with the national response in the opening match but admitted that it was from now on that the World Cup would really "begin," with a duel against Spain to determine the group. #HóqueiEmPatins #Mundial2026 #Portugal (translated)
"What I perceive is that it is a team that wants to win, to be there in the moments of decision. For that, we have to work hard and be very united, directing everyone to the same side. That way, we will be a team capable of fighting for everything. If that’s not the case, it will be very difficult. The athletes already know each other from other experiences, which makes this national team have a very united group. They know very well what it means to be here, and now we just have to hope that on the field, which is the most important thing, they are truly united and give their all for one another. Debut? We talk a lot, exchange many impressions. I am a coach who also likes to hear the opinions and feelings of the athletes, and we end up growing daily. I like a very combative team, intense, with players who defend each other. That will be Portugal's strongest point," commented coach Reinaldo Ventura to the Lusa agency. #HóqueiEmPatins #Mundial2026 #Portugal (translated)