Here is the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-06-28 05:01:00.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Portugal coach Roberto Martinez stated that comparing Cristiano Ronaldo’s needs to those of Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland is “childish.” He emphasized that Ronaldo is “mentally and physically” prepared to play full minutes during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Ronaldo played the entire 90 minutes in Portugal’s recent 0-0 draw against Colombia, totaling 270 minutes of play across the team’s Group K matches. Despite this, Ronaldo did not pose a significant threat against the Colombians, who finished at the top of the group, pushing Portugal to the runner-up position. This result leads to a round-of-32 matchup against Croatia, scheduled for Thursday in Toronto.
While both Haaland and Messi were rested by Norway and Argentina respectively in the final group games, Martinez noted he sees no reason to rest Ronaldo. “We don’t compare with other players of other teams,” Martinez remarked, labeling such comparisons as childish.
“Cristiano is accustomed to being in the right place at the right time,” he explained. “It’s more about being mentally strong and disciplined in maintaining our attacking structure.”
Martinez further commented, “Playing 90 minutes isn’t an issue for Cristiano, but we may choose to make adjustments for the next game, similar to any other player.” He noted that all 21 outfield players have been utilized, allowing for the management of minutes effectively.
He continued, “We analyze all data collected from games and training, which informs our decisions on player substitutions.” Regarding the recent match, Martinez highlighted that players like João Neves and Rúben Neves played 45 minutes, indicating the different requirements based on positioning.
Portugal’s inability to top the group may lead to a challenging round-of-16 encounter against Euro 2024 winners Spain. However, Martinez affirmed that the primary goal was to qualify and then approach the World Cup with a fresh mindset.
“Now it’s time to refine our strategy and enhance our control on the pitch,” Martinez said. “These three matches were crucial for reaching our peak performance. Our aim is to compete in eight matches, as this represents a new phase of the tournament.”
FAQs
Why did Portugal draw with Colombia?
The match ended 0-0, with both teams failing to score, leading Portugal to finish second in their group.
What’s next for Portugal in the tournament?
Portugal will face Croatia in the round of 32 on Thursday, seeking to advance further in the World Cup.
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- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-06-28 05:01:00
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Tags: #Portugal #coach #Childish #compare #Ronaldos #Messis
Tags: #Portugal #coach #Childish #compare #Ronaldos #Messis
