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Joao Felix Urges Portugal to Stay Confident Ahead of Croatia World Cup Clash

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Portugal's forward Joao Felix urged fans to maintain faith despite the team's inconsistent group stage performance in the 2026 World Cup.
  • Felix believes draws against Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia, along with a win against Uzbekistan, do not diminish their confidence ahead of the Round of 32 match against Croatia.
  • He expressed readiness to take penalties, drawing lessons from a past Euro 2024 miss, and highlighted his revitalized form with Al Nassr.

Portugal's forward Joao Felix has called on supporters to remain confident in the team's prospects at the 2026 World Cup, despite a less-than-convincing performance during the group stages. The Selecao das Quinas secured their spot in the Round of 32 by finishing second in Group K, following a draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a decisive 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, and another goalless draw against Colombia.

Felix acknowledged that the team's two draws are not a reason to doubt their chances against Croatia in the upcoming knockout stage. "They have to stay calm. Just because we drew two games doesn't mean we lost confidence. This is the World Cup. Everyone just needs to stay calm. We are very confident we can beat Croatia," Felix stated, as reported by ESPN.

They have to stay calm. Just because we drew two games doesn't mean we lost confidence. This is the World Cup. Everyone just needs to stay calm. We are very confident we can beat Croatia.

— Joao FelixFelix expressed his confidence in Portugal's ability to defeat Croatia in the World Cup Round of 32 despite their group stage results.

While recognizing Croatia as a formidable opponent, Felix anticipates a closely contested match, potentially extending into extra time or a penalty shootout. He also addressed his past penalty miss in Portugal's Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to France, viewing it as a valuable learning experience. "Of course it was difficult, but that's part of a player's career. I see it as a learning experience. If I have to take a penalty again, I'm ready and will do better," he added, emphasizing his father's lifelong advice to practice consistently.

Felix's confidence is further bolstered by his impressive performances for Al Nassr last season. After struggling to meet expectations at Chelsea and AC Milan, he has successfully revived his career in the Saudi Pro League, indicating a return to form that could benefit Portugal in their World Cup campaign.

Of course it was difficult, but that's part of a player's career. I see it as a learning experience. If I have to take a penalty again, I'm ready and will do better.

— Joao FelixFelix reflected on his past penalty miss, viewing it as a learning opportunity and affirming his readiness for future crucial moments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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