Roberto Martinez says Portugal must recover quickly and reset for Spain after surviving a dramatic 2-1 World Cup knockout win over Croatia in Toronto.
Portugal advanced after Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot and Gonçalo Ramos struck late to complete the comeback, turning a tense Round of 32 battle into a last-16 showdown with Spain.
For Martinez, the Croatia win was not only about survival. It was also a warning.
Portugal controlled long spells, missed chances, conceded first, then had to find composure late in a match where small details decided everything.
Martinez: Portugal Controlled The First Half
Martinez said Portugal’s first-half performance was strong technically and tactically, but admitted the missing piece was a goal.
“The first half was very good, technically and tactically. We controlled the match. We just missed a goal.”
Portugal had early pressure against Croatia but failed to convert it, allowing the match to remain goalless at half-time before Ivan Perisic gave Croatia the lead after the restart.
Martinez said the second half became a different contest after Croatia scored, with the match opening up and the momentum becoming more difficult to control.
“The second half was completely different,” he said. “The match was more offensive.”
Substitutes Helped Portugal Survive
One of Martinez’s biggest decisions came around the hour mark, when he made four substitutions as Portugal chased the game. The changes gave Portugal fresh energy at a dangerous moment.
Ronaldo later scored from the penalty spot before Ramos delivered the stoppage-time winner that sent Portugal into the next round.
Martinez praised the contribution of his bench, saying Portugal had to use the squad well and finish the match stronger than they started.
“We’ve seen reserve players adding a lot to the matches,” he was quoted as saying. “We have to start well and end even better.”
That point matters before Spain.
Portugal’s next match will not only test their starters. It will test their depth, game management and ability to adjust when momentum shifts.
Martinez Rejects Favourite Talk
Martinez also refused to accept the idea that Portugal should be considered favourites heading into the Spain clash.
He added that many Round of 32 matches were decided by details, and that the match against Spain would follow the same pattern.
Portugal have star power, but Spain arrive after a commanding 3-0 win over Austria and with strong momentum of their own.
This is not a match for loose confidence. It is an Iberian knockout tie where control, emotion and small mistakes could decide who moves deeper into the tournament.
Spain Recovery Starts Now
Martinez said his immediate focus is recovery and preparation.
“As coach I have to set a roadmap, which is recovery tomorrow and getting ready for Spain,” he was quoted as saying. “We respect them a lot.”
Portugal survived Croatia, but Spain will bring a different problem: control, pressing rhythm, clean-sheet confidence and attacking quality.
For Portugal, the Croatia escape gives belief.
But it also gives homework.
They started well, failed to score early, conceded first and needed late intervention to survive. Against Spain, the margin may be even thinner.
Portugal are through. Now Martinez must make sure survival becomes readiness.