Portugal suffered a defeat against Spain in the World Cup round of 16, ending their tournament run and prompting reflection from head coach Roberto Martinez on the team's tactics.
In a post‑match interview, Martinez explained that Ronaldo remained on the field for the full 90 minutes because the forward was physically fit and able to create space for teammates. He noted Ronaldo’s adaptability and importance inside the penalty area as key factors in the decision.
Martinez said that, although an additional striker such as Gonçalo Ramos might have been useful in extra time, the strategy for the match was to contain Spain’s attacking threat rather than to substitute forwards. He also highlighted the need to protect Rafael Leão, who had played a full match against Croatia and required careful management.
Despite acknowledging the loss, Martinez expressed pride in the squad’s performance and the journey that led to the Nations League title. He emphasized that the team had faced strong opponents, including France, Germany, and Spain, and that the result was an expected risk in a tournament setting.
The match marked Martinez’s final game in charge, as his contract with the Portuguese Football Federation was set to expire after the World Cup. He thanked the Portuguese public for their support and the players for their dedication, noting that the team’s achievements set new national records.
Martinez concluded that, having entered the role with the aim of winning the World Cup, the inability to do so meant that his tenure would end. He indicated that the federation’s board and president would now decide on a successor, while he expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained.
Speculation has emerged that former club manager Jorge Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo, is a leading candidate to replace Martinez as Portugal’s next head coach.
