Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his captain played another 90 minutes in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw against Colombia as his side finished in second place on Saturday as the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.
Top scorers such as Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group match while Norwegian Erling Haaland was rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every match so far.
The 41-year-old forward has been criticized for his lack of contribution in games in Portugal, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team is behind, but Martinez rejected comparisons with the playing time of other players.
«Obviously we don’t compare players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,» he told reporters.
“I can tell you that we monitor all (player) information that we receive live during the matches.
“There are different positions on the field that require different needs and we monitor that in detail.
«Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a matter of being mentally strong and always being disciplined in his position.»
«There is no problem, physically or mentally, for Cristiano to play 90 minutes in today’s match. Maybe we have to make a change in the next match, but that’s like any other player.»
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Portugal reached the knockout stages in second place and will face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that has special significance as it will be played a day before the anniversary of the death of its striker Diogo Jota.
Jota was remembered ahead of kick-off on Saturday when his image was beamed onto the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem ended, with Martinez hailing the coming anniversary as an inspiration.
«Obviously every day is difficult. When you train, there are always moments when Diogo Jota comes back to our memories. So I wouldn’t say the anniversary has to be particularly difficult. I would say it’s a bit of a celebration,» Martinez said.
«We must honor Diogo Jota. It is a moment to cherish that everything we started in this team started with him. We won the Nations League with him. He is probably the sign and the light of the greatest incentive we have.»
«We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s game.»
«It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day that he is not physically there… Probably in moments like this, when you don’t win a match, the reference of having his desire, his faith, is always very clear in our presence.»
Published on June 28, 2026
