Portugal coach shrugs off pitch debate ahead of Euros last 16 match

Portugal's coach Roberto Martinez (L) stands on the touchline during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group F soccer match between Georgia and Portugal at Arena auf Schalke. Bernd Thissen/dpa

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has shrugged off the debate about the condition of the Frankfurt pitch ahead of their Euro 2024 last 16 match against Slovenia.

The slippery pitch has been criticised by several teams, with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also highlighting a injury risk for players.

Martinez told reporters on Sunday: "The pitch is as it is. It's the fifth game on this pitch. We believe that UEFA and everyone involved will do everything they can to ensure that we have the best possible pitch conditions."

The 2016 champions Portugal enter the match as Group F winners although they lost their final match 2-0 against Georgia, where Martínez fielded several reserves.

Slovenia advanced as third-place finishers from Group D where they drew all three matches.

Portugal player Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to find the net at the tournament in Germany as he aims to become the first man to score at six Euros and at 39 the oldest in event history.

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