Portugal will approach knockouts as a ‘second World Cup’, says Martinez

Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez said his team will approach the knockout stages like a “second World Cup” when it plays Croatia in a round of 32 in Toronto on Thursday.

Portugal were held to a draw by DR Congo and Colombia either side of a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan as they finished second in Group K behind the Colombians in a tricky opening stage.

“Tomorrow we start the second World Cup, the preparation was very important,” said Martinez, referring to the three group matches that he found “difficult”.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of the match, Martinez said he was aware of the challenge Croatia would pose as the country finished second in 2018 and third in 2022.

«Croatia is a team we know very well. They also know our strengths and our talent, so it will be a competitive match,» he said.

The Spaniard was criticized after Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in his team’s final group match against Colombia, with Portuguese media expressing concerns over a lack of game time for their other striker Goncalo Ramos.

Martinez brushed off those concerns on Wednesday, saying his players know what is expected of them and will be ready when called upon.

“What is important is that all players are ready to play for the team – whether they are in the starting line-up… or on the bench,” he said.

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Much of the attention on the pitch will focus on Ronaldo, 41, and his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, 40, as the two captains meet in what is expected to be the final World Cup match for either of them.

Martinez praised both players as icons of the sport who «stood above public opinion.»

«People talk about age, but age is just a number. It’s what they do and the example they set in the dressing room,» he said.

The game will have emotional significance for Portugal as it comes on the pitch a day before the anniversary of the death of their striker Diogo Jota in a car accident.

Midfielder Vitinha said honoring Jota’s memory will provide additional motivation for the team to secure a spot in the last sixteen.

«We have all the motivation to win tomorrow… for our families, for Diogo Jota, for the whole country, for all of Portugal. That’s why we’re going to do everything, really our best, to win against Croatia,» he said.

Published on July 2, 2026