Portugal are out of the World Cup – and Roberto Martínez confirms his resignation as national team manager after the eight-final exit.
Portugal put in a lacklustre performance when Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain in the 91st minute – 1-0 to their neighbours, and a quarter-final against Belgium awaits their Spanish neighbours after the USA, who have had an easy time so far in the tournament, were humiliated by a mediocre Belgian team.
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The loss also marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. The 41-year-old was a peripheral figure in his latest appearance on the biggest stage, announcing on Sunday that his sixth World Cup would be his last.
Now Portugal will have to start again – without Martínez.
It had long been expected that Martínez would retire after the championship, and in his post-match press conference, he said:
“This is the end of a cycle. It is important to have a new voice, a new leader. I take the memories with me – and hope that Portugal has good memories from the three and a half years I was national team manager. It was the experience of my life.
“It was not decided in advance. I came with the goal of winning the World Championship, and since I didn’t, it doesn’t make sense to continue.
Martínez took over Portugal in 2023, having failed to lead Belgium’s “golden generation” to a major trophy in over six years. He did win silver with Portugal – and led them to victory in the Nations League final against Spain last year.
Now a new era begins for Portugal. The Nations League defence begins in September – against Wales. Without Martínez. Without Ronaldo. And with many questions about the way forward.
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