Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has sent a strong message to Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of his side's Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Portugal finished second in Group K with five points, behind South American side Colombia. The 2025 UEFA Nations League champions wrapped up their group-stage campaign with a goalless draw against Colombia at Miami Stadium on Sunday, June 28.
Martinez Backs Ronaldo
Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo remains effective because of his positioning, discipline and strong mentality. According to ESPN, the Portugal coach insisted that playing 90 minutes is not a problem for Ronaldo, although changes may be made in future matches depending on the team's needs. He said: "Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It's more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in position and always opening space in our attacking patterns. It's not an issue for Cristiano to play 90 minutes, but maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that's like any other player."
Squad Rotation Applied to All
Martinez stressed that squad rotation applies to every player, not just Ronaldo, with Portugal already using 21 outfield players at the tournament. He said: "We have used 21 outfield players, so we do share the minutes. We monitor all the information we get in games, what we do in training games and there is always an opportunity to make changes." He explained that the coaching staff constantly monitor players' performances in matches and training before deciding on any changes.
Match Highlights Against Colombia
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute when he found space inside the box, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas produced an outstanding point-blank save to deny him. Colombia also created several opportunities before the break, with Gustavo Puerta and James Rodriguez testing Portugal's defence. Davinson Sanchez thought he had snatched a dramatic winner in the closing stages when he headed home from close range, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a marginal offside, per Al Jazeera.
Managing Player Minutes
Martinez added that Portugal managed the minutes of Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo against Colombia because different positions require different physical demands. He said: "Today, we used Joao Neves and Ruben Neves for 45 minutes, we did the same with Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo because different positions have different needs."
Agbonlahor Proposes Tactical Change
Legit.ng previously reported that former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor urged Portugal coach Roberto Martinez to consider changing Ronaldo's role in the team. The former England international suggested Portugal possess enough attacking options to allow the veteran striker to operate in a deeper position instead of leading the line.
