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ItalianoOn the eve of the 2026 Finalissima semi-final against Spain, Pany Varela spoke about the responsibility of representing Portugal, what went wrong in the European final and a simple idea: whoever makes fewer mistakes comes out on top.
On the eve of the 2026 Finalissima semi-final against Spain, Pany Varela spoke about the responsibility of representing Portugal, what went wrong in the European final and a simple idea: whoever makes fewer mistakes comes out on top. Portugal face the Spaniards this Friday at 18:30 local time (21:30 in mainland Portugal) at the Arena Niterói.
The usual responsibility
The international began with the weight of the shirt: “The responsibility is the same as always. Whoever represents Portugal, whoever is here in this group of players, knows they must always be at their best level. Having nothing to prove to anyone, we enjoy, with responsibility, playing every game to try to win.”
The previous meetings
On the recent duels with Spain, Pany Varela stressed the continuity of ideas: “The previous meetings always count because the coaches’ ideas remain. Obviously one or two players have changed, but I think the idea remains. We know every game has its own story, we also know very well what we did less well in the European final, but more important than that is being Portugal. We are focused on our tasks and tomorrow I am absolutely sure we will be prepared and focused on our mission, which is to try to beat the Spanish team, obviously.”
Whoever makes fewer mistakes
The winger summed up what can decide the game: “Essentially, whoever makes fewer mistakes will win. We know these are two top world teams used to this kind of game, but I think what will make the difference in the end is who makes fewer mistakes or who best takes advantage of the opponent’s mistake. In this case, obviously, we hope luck or competence smiles on Portugal.”
Everyone’s role
And he left a collective message: “The individual side, in my case, always takes second place. I know very well what my task is. There are 14 of us and if each of us does our part well, in the end we will be happy.”
Portugal won the 2022 Intercontinental Finalissima, beating Spain in the final.
Source: Portuguese Football Federation.
Photo: FPF