Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says the knockout stage will feel like a “second World Cup” as his side prepare to face Croatia in a Round of 32 clash loaded with pressure, history and legacy.
Portugal meet Croatia at Toronto Stadium on Thursday. Portugal reached the knockout stage as Group K runners-up, setting up a major European tie against one of the most experienced tournament teams in world football.
For Portugal, the group stage was uneven. They beat Uzbekistan 5-0, but were held by DR Congo and Colombia, leaving Martinez’s team second behind the Colombians.
Now the margin disappears.
One match decides whether Portugal’s World Cup push continues or ends before the last 16.
Martinez Sees A Fresh Tournament
Martinez said Portugal must treat the knockout phase as a new competition after coming through a difficult group.
“Tomorrow we will begin the second World Cup,”
The Portugal coach also warned that Croatia’s tournament experience makes the tie dangerous. Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018 and finished third in 2022, giving them the kind of knockout pedigree that can punish any loose moment.
“Croatia is a team we know very well,” Martinez said. They also know our strengths and our talent, so it will be a competitive match.”
Portugal may carry star power, but Croatia carry scars, memory and tournament patience.
Ronaldo And Modric Carry The Spotlight
Much of the attention will fall on Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, two captains who have shaped a generation of European football.
Ronaldo leads Portugal into another knockout night, while Modric remains the face of Croatia’s golden era. Martinez rejected the idea that age should dominate the conversation.
“People talk about age, but age is just a number,” he was quoted as saying. “What matters is what they do and the example they set in the locker room.”
For Portugal, Ronaldo’s presence is still more than symbolic. It shapes expectation, pressure and attention every time they enter a major knockout match.
For Croatia, Modric’s influence remains equally powerful. His control, experience and calm have long been central to their biggest tournament nights.
This could become another.
Jota Memory Adds Emotional Weight
The match also carries emotional meaning for Portugal because it comes around the anniversary of Diogo Jota’s death.
Portugal have carried Jota’s memory through the tournament, with reports before the World Cup saying the squad would honour him with a special tribute.
Midfielder Vitinha said that memory would add motivation before the Croatia tie.
“We have all the motivation to win tomorrow. For our families, for Diogo Jota, for the whole country, for the whole of Portugal.”
That gives Portugal’s night another layer. This is not only a tactical test. It is a pressure match wrapped in national expectation, veteran legacy and personal emotion.
Portugal Need Control, Not Just Talent
Portugal have enough quality to hurt Croatia, but the group stage showed why talent alone may not be enough.
The draws against DR Congo and Colombia left questions around rhythm, cutting edge and rotation. Portuguese media also raised concerns after Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes against Colombia, with Goncalo Ramos receiving limited minutes.
Martinez dismissed concerns around selection balance, saying all players must be ready whether they start or come from the bench.
That depth could matter against Croatia. Knockout games are rarely decided only by the biggest name on the pitch. They are decided by game management, substitutions, concentration and who handles the final pressure better.
Croatia have built a reputation on surviving those moments. Portugal must now prove they can control one.
If they do, the “second World Cup” begins with momentum.
If they do not, one of the tournament’s biggest names could leave Toronto with another painful knockout question.