João Félix has urged Portugal supporters to keep their nerves in check ahead of Thursday’s World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Croatia, insisting the squad remains confident despite an uneven group-stage campaign.
Portugal’s group-stage rollercoaster
Portugal arrived at the knockout rounds among the tournament’s leading contenders, but they did not finish first in Group K. The team progressed in second place after a goalless draw with Colombia on Saturday.
Earlier in the group, Portugal posted a dominant 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Their opening match, though, ended in disappointment as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.
Félix calls for calm before Croatia test
Speaking with a direct message to the home crowd, João Félix said fans should not read too much into the results so far.
- “They [Portuguese fans] should rest assured,” Félix said.
- He added: drawing two games does not mean Portugal are any less confident heading into the knockout stage.
- Félix stressed that, “It’s the World Cup,” and urged everyone to “stay calm,” insisting Portugal are “very confident” about beating Croatia.
Expecting penalties — and learning from past heartbreak
Félix believes the match with Croatia could be tight and suggested he would not shy away from taking a spot-kick if the game goes to penalties. He previously struck the post during a penalty shootout defeat to France in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024.
Reflecting on that moment, the 26-year-old framed it as part of a player’s development.
- He acknowledged the experience was difficult, but said it “is part of a player’s career.”
- Félix described it as a “learning experience,” adding that if he is given another chance from the spot, he will “step up.”
- He also credited guidance from his father, saying he has been going to tournaments since the age of 10 and was always told to rise to pressure, “whether in the game or on penalty kicks.”
Renewed confidence after a breakthrough year in Saudi Arabia
Entering his second World Cup, João Félix says he arrives with a stronger mindset. After a difficult spell at Chelsea and AC Milan, he rediscovered his form in the Saudi Pro League.
In his first season in Saudi Arabia, Félix helped Al Nassr win the league title and was named Saudi Pro League player of the season.
- Félix said the year has been “very important” for his career.
- He added that he feels confident, ready to contribute, and “more mature” than before.
- He described it as an “incredible year,” and said he is coming into the tournament with belief “more confident than ever.”
Working with Cristiano Ronaldo at club level
At Al Nassr, Félix lined up alongside Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, a partnership that shaped how the forward views their chemistry now.
Ronaldo, 41, also made history for his goal-scoring record at the tournament level by netting twice against Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.
Félix highlighted how playing together for a season helps players understand each other’s preferences and movement.
- He said a year of playing alongside Ronaldo is “a long time.”
- Félix believes they learned what the other needs and what they like, improving their connection in the final third.
- He added that he feels they form a strong attacking duo, noting Ronaldo knows where Félix prefers to receive the ball and “vice versa.”
- Félix concluded that Ronaldo is “an asset wherever he plays.”
Adapting between Europe and the Saudi Pro League
Despite differences in pace and intensity between European leagues and the Saudi Pro League, Félix insists he is just as prepared as his Portugal teammates.
He said the competition remains demanding and that he did not previously believe it would match the intensity he experiences in European football. Félix also argued that, once he joined the national team, he noticed no major gap in intensity compared to his teammates and opponents.
- He said the league is competitive, even if it is not the same.
- Félix added that he feels good heading into the tournament and believes proper preparation leads to strong performances.
