The head coach of the Turkmenistan national football team Mergen Orazov held a meeting with the coach of the Portuguese national team Roberto Martinez in Lisbon. During the meeting, the coaches discussed the development trends of modern football and important aspects of the coaching profession.

Orazov's visit to Portugal is organized with the support of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, AFC and UEFA. The purpose of the trip is to get acquainted with the training process of one of the leading European teams. The internship of the Turkmen coach will last until September 10.

The day before, Mergen Orazov attended the Nations League match between Portugal and Croatia, which ended with a score of 2:1 in favor of the hosts. This match became historic thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's goal, which became the 900th in the career of the Portuguese striker.

Roberto Martinez, who took over the Portugal national team in January 2023, has extensive coaching experience. Under his leadership, the Portuguese team reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Martinez previously worked with the Belgian national team, with whom he won bronze medals at the 2018 World Cup.

For the coach of the Turkmenistan national team, this internship is of particular importance ahead of the decisive qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup. The draw for the third qualifying round will take place on December 19, where the Turkmen team's opponents in the fight for a ticket to the final stage of the tournament will be determined.