Vítor Matos, Portuguese coach of Swansea, Wales, admits to having “a lot of curiosity” in watching the new style of play of the national team, but discards a very special character for this meeting in the League of Nations.
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22/09/2026
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“ I'll probably watch the game, because we have Ben Cabango. Other than that, I will also take some time to rest and be with the family. It's an interesting game so, nothing else right now. Portugal has a new selector, very good, experienced, probably one of the best Portuguese coaches ", started by saying Vítor Matos, in the preview of the game with Lincoln.
“ Naturally, as a Portuguese and adept, I am very curious to see the team. I always said we have an excellent selection. But I'm here as Swansea's coach, and that's my part. In this game, I'll also be watching Ben. Nothing else”, he said.
Portugal and Wales measure strength on Thursday at the Alvalade Stadium, starting at 7:45 p.m., but the selection of quinas will still have to travel to the United Kingdom, having another match with the Welsh team on 17 November in Cardiff.
All that's left is... Cristiano Ronaldo
From the battle of Euro2016, from where came Portugal's only victory in regulatory time, by 2-0, thanks to the goals of Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo, at 50 and 53 minutes, respectively, only one player remains.
With 55,000 supporters on the benches and after a very balanced first part, Fernando Santos's leaders would eventually confirm the favoritism attributed to him and managed to reserve a place in the desired final, which would take place on July 10, at the Stade de France, where the Portuguese party was consumed.
A decade later only Christiano Ronaldo remained. At the age of 41, and after having played another World Championship, the Portuguese star continues to make history by national selection, being called by Jorge Jesus.
For the Premier League?
Being more or less special, this game also brings out the work done by Vítor Matos at Swansea. The 38-year-old Portuguese coach is currently leading the second stage of English football, the Championship, with two more points than the West Ham of Nuno Espírito Santo, and three against the Wolverhampton of César Peixoto, and feeds the dream of returning the Wales club to the Premier League.
Moreover, the renowned magazine FourFourTwo published, on Monday, a long article on the achievements of Vítor Matos in Swansea, having as permission the former assistant coach of Jurgen Klopp in Liverpool is destined for other flights.
“Portuguese, 38, is discreetly doing one of the best jobs as a coach in the four main divisions. If you didn’t know him, keep his name – because it certainly shouldn’t be long before you reach the Premier League, with or without Swansea”, you can read.