Cristiano Ronaldo cried after the Portugal vs. Spain match in the round of eight of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA, on 6/7. Photo: AP

Cristiano Ronaldo cried after the Portugal vs. Spain match in the round of eight of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA, on 6/7. Photo: AP

One of the most emotional moments at AT&T Stadium on 6/7 was the image of Ronaldo in tears after his final World Cup match for the national team. Martinez offered a heartfelt tribute to the 41-year-old captain.

"I can only thank Ronaldo. He is an exemplary captain," Martinez shared. "When I came to Portugal, there were many questions and doubts about Cristiano's position. But over the past three and a half years, he has always been a role model, not only for his goals, assists, or penalty box presence, but also for his daily professionalism."

According to the 52-year-old coach, Ronaldo is more than a football icon; he is also a paradigm of fighting spirit. "There are not many Cristianos in football," Martinez emphasized. "We must appreciate what he did in this World Cup. His dream was to win the championship, and he fought as a leader, both on the field and in the locker room."

Martinez also defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on for the entire match, opting not to bring on Goncalo Ramos, the striker who scored the winning goal in the 2-1 victory against Croatia in the round of sixteen. Martinez stated that Ronaldo's experience and ability to create space were essential when Portugal was searching for a goal.

"When the team needs a goal, you cannot take Ronaldo out, at least not for 90 minutes. He is fit enough and proved it throughout the season," Martinez explained. "If the match had gone into extra time, that would have been the moment to use Ramos' energy. But before that, we needed to maintain our team structure."

Coach Roberto Martinez (left) gave instructions during Portugal's 1-2 loss to Spain in the round of eight of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA, on 6/7. Photo: Reuters

Coach Roberto Martinez (left) gave instructions during Portugal's 1-2 loss to Spain in the round of eight of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA, on 6/7. Photo: Reuters

From a tactical perspective, Martinez believed Portugal effectively managed the threat posed by Lamine Yamal. He attributed the difference in the match to small details, which often decide World Cup games. The 52-year-old coach admitted disappointment over the injury-time goal conceded but affirmed that his team's performance deserved respect.

"We finished the match with sadness because it was not the desired outcome," he expressed. "Spain is a championship contender, but that did not stop us from playing our way. The players defended bravely, were well-organized, and played cohesively. There were crucial moments, like a shot that hit the crossbar – did the ball go in or not – or a chance in the 90th minute from a quick free-kick. These are the details that make a difference. I am proud that the players could face Spain on equal terms."

Martinez led Portugal since 2023, guiding the team to 30 wins in 45 matches, achieving a 66.67% win rate, and securing the 2025 Nations League title. Addressing criticism about not fully utilizing Portugal's talented generation of players or not managing Ronaldo's late career stage well, he responded: "We did not fail. We lost a match against a team considered stronger. We played on equal terms, showed individual talent, and fought until the last minute. Failure is when you do not try to win. We fought until the very end."

Martinez stated that the decision to leave the Portugal national team was not made before the World Cup. His contract concluded after the tournament, and while both sides could have continued negotiations, he believed it was the appropriate time for the national team to embark on a new direction. "This is the end of a cycle. I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and if I couldn't achieve that, then continuing would be meaningless. The Federation President has the right to choose a new coach," he said.

The only goal of the Portugal - Spain match.

Hong Duy (according to Abola)