Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao believes Portugal’s next generation must exceed the “hunger” of 41-year-old team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, as the national side prepares for a crucial World Cup fixture against Uzbekistan following a disappointing opening draw.
Conceicao, 23, who was not even born when Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting Lisbon in August 2002, highlighted the enduring inspiration provided by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“He’s an example, through his career, through the hunger he demonstrates every day, super motivated to train as if it were his last,” Conceicao stated, as quoted in Portuguese outlet Record.
“If he’s achieved so much and continues with such hunger, ours has to be even greater. He’s another one who’s here to help; we need everyone for the team to function.”
Portugal’s tournament opener resulted in a frustrating 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a result that reignited debate over Ronaldo’s place in Roberto Martinez’s starting line-up. The team now hopes to display marked improvements when they face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday night.
Despite the pressure mounting after the initial stalemate, Conceicao insists the squad has maintained a composed approach.
He acknowledged the immediate impact of underperformance, stating: “If things don’t go well, we’re the first to feel it. No one is worse off; we feel it first hand.”
He added: “The pressure is there, we’re used to it. We all play for big clubs. We know there will be more pressure and it’s up to us to respond in the next game.”
Conceicao also carries a notable family legacy, following his father, Sergio Conceicao, the former AC Milan boss, who represented Portugal at the 2002 World Cup.
Reflecting on his father’s experience, the younger Conceicao remarked: “I don’t think it went that well, they were eliminated in the group stage!
“It’s always a source of pride to know that my father played in a World Cup and that I’m here now. I hope the story will be different. He said they went in with a lot ambition and that the goal was to go as far as possible. That one mistake can ruin everything.”
In other team news, Benfica defender Tomas Araujo is unavailable for selection after training in a limited capacity in Palm Beach on Monday, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan boss Fabio Cannavaro offered an optimistic assessment despite his team’s 3-1 loss to Colombia in their World Cup debut.
In an Instagram post, Cannavaro praised his side’s “mentality and, especially, a very positive second-half performance.”
