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Portugal's recent triumph over Germany in the Nations League semi-final has set a positive tone for their World Cup preparations.

Roberto Martinez, the team's coach, is optimistic about how this victory will benefit Portugal in future competitions. The team will face either Spain or France in the final after overcoming Germany 2-1 in Munich.

In the match against Germany, Portugal initially struggled, managing only four shots compared to Germany's seven in the first half. However, they turned things around after the break, taking 13 shots and significantly improving their performance. Francisco Conceicao equalised with a remarkable goal before Nuno Mendes assisted Cristiano Ronaldo for the winning goal.

Martinez attributed Portugal's second-half resurgence to tactical adjustments. He emphasised that playing against a strong team like Germany requires strategic intelligence. "There are a lot of things you have to do well if you want to play eye-to-eye with Germany," he stated. The coach highlighted the importance of being competitive and using players' individual skills effectively.

Reflecting on their performance, Martinez noted that Portugal could have utilised space better and maintained more possession. Despite these areas for improvement, he praised his team's commitment and tactical execution. "Tactically we were exceptional, the commitment helped," he added, expressing satisfaction with the team's overall display.

Portugal has faced challenges in recent major tournaments, exiting both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage. Martinez is eager for his team to continue developing and sees Sunday's Nations League final as valuable preparation for upcoming competitions. "The World Cup is 12 months away and we have to use all the games to prepare for it," he remarked.

The coach acknowledged that each game presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth. He stressed the need for consistent performances with strong character as they gear up for future tournaments. "Every game is different, the opponents are more solid," Martinez said, highlighting the importance of adapting to various playing styles.

This victory over Germany not only boosts Portugal's confidence but also provides valuable insights into areas needing improvement. As they look forward to facing either Spain or France in the final, Martinez remains focused on refining his team's strategies and building on their recent success.