During a commentary program on LiveMode TV, Quaresma stated that Portugal's performance from the start of the tournament was unconvincing. They drew 1-1 with DR Congo, won 5-0 against Uzbekistan, drew 0-0 with Colombia in the group stage, then defeated Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 before losing to Spain in the round of 16.

"For me, everything went wrong from the beginning. There wasn't a single match where we could say Portugal played well, attacked a lot but just lacked luck", Quaresma commented.

Coach Roberto Martinez (in black) directs Portugal players during their 0-1 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at Dallas, Texas, US, on 6/7. Photo: Reuters

At AT&T Stadium on 6/7, Portugal was outplayed, controlling possession for 45% and managing 10 shots with two on target, compared to Spain's 15 shots with six on target. Martinez's squad generated an expected goals (xG) metric of just 0,58, far below Spain's 1,77. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was a rare bright spot, making five saves and keeping Portugal's clean sheet during regular time. However, in injury time, Mikel Merino scored past him in a one-on-one situation, eliminating Portugal from the tournament.

Quaresma observed that Portugal allowed Spain to completely dominate the match. "They controlled everything, dictating the tempo as they wished", he analyzed. "When they needed to speed up, they did; when they wanted to slow down, they could. We just chased them, lacking desire, lacking joy, and playing too slowly".

The 42-year-old former star was particularly dissatisfied with coach Martinez's substitution decisions. Martinez used all five substitutions, bringing in Nelson Semedo, Rafael Leao, Diogo Dalot, Bernardo Silva, and Francisco Conceicao, but did not utilize either of the two strikers, Goncalo Guedes and Goncalo Ramos.

"I have said this many times, Martinez has never convinced me. Whether people like it or not, I don't care, but the national team needs more joy when playing football", Quaresma harshly criticized the Spanish coach.

Ronaldo misses an opportunity.

The former Inter, Chelsea, and Besiktas player argued that Portugal had not delivered any great performances since Martinez took charge, despite having defeated Spain in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final. "Since he arrived, I haven't seen the national team play a truly excellent match. That's the truth. He proposed 50 tactics, but none of them worked", Quaresma added.

Portugal entered the 2026 World Cup with high expectations, even being called "the best squad in history" by many. However, Quaresma questioned this moniker. "Best in history in what way? What have they won? In the end, we have to go home disappointed and with our heads down", he expressed.

Quaresma also urged Portugal's players to show more personality on the field. According to him, they possess enough quality "to make their own decisions instead of being overly reliant and rigidly following tactical instructions".

"No one should disrespect the coach, but the team needs personality and courage", the Euro 2016 champion added. "In the past, I often did what I thought the game required, even if it might displease the coach and lead to me being substituted. That was their choice, but I always did what the game needed. The current players are capable enough to do that. If they make mistakes, no one will blame them. So what are they afraid of? The national team needs to sit down, review what's right and what's wrong, and needs a coach who understands football".

Spain scores the decisive goal.

Quaresma was not alone; former England international Chris Sutton also criticized Portugal's head coach after the match. "Martinez is shameful. Ramos on the bench. Ronaldo wanting to do whatever he wants. Portugal was a bizarre performance, like a circus. Martinez is too weak", the former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker wrote on social media X.

Meanwhile, Nelson Semedo defended and thanked Martinez, who confirmed he would leave the Portugal national team after the 2026 World Cup. According to the 32-year-old defender, Martinez still left his mark on the team, including winning the UEFA Nations League. "We want to thank him for his time leading the team. Not just the players, but all Portuguese fans should also acknowledge Martinez", he said after the loss to Spain.

Hong Duy (according to OJogo.pt)