Coach Roberto Martinez is decided to make sure Portugal’s last-32 match in opposition to Croatia doesn’t turn out to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s “final dance” on the World Cup.
Portugal completed second in Group Ok, defeating Uzbekistan 5-0, throughout attracts with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia.
Ronaldo might be enjoying in his ninth World Cup finals, however has failed to attain in his final eight video games. In complete, this might be his twenty fifth look within the match.
Nevertheless, he’s not the one participant who may characteristic within the closing World Cup match, with Luka Modric additionally probably lacking relying on the end result.
The gamers, who performed collectively at Actual Madrid from 2012 to 2018, have began all three World Cup matches to date, however Martinez is assured Ronaldo’s journey will proceed.
“We’re speaking about gamers who’re above public opinion,” Martinez stated.
“Their longevity in soccer makes them particular. You might be speaking about Luka Modric, who’s now over 40 years outdated, however he continues to play an enormous variety of matches and remains to be an important determine.
“It is the identical with our captains. Anybody who talks about age, it is only a quantity. It is what they do and the instance they set within the altering room that issues.
“They’re icons. It is essential to have examples like this. Let’s hope this is not Ronaldo’s final dance.”
We’ve plans in Toronto #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/eX03OFu971
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 1, 2026
Portugal has made it previous the primary spherical of the ultimate match in every of the previous two tournaments, and is undefeated within the three video games heading into this match (W1 D2).
The one different instances he is gone undefeated in a single season for greater than 4 video games was in 1966 (4 video games) and 2006 (5 video games).
Portugal have struggled to achieve their full type to date, however Martinez is assured his staff is in high type for the beginning of the knockout phases.
“The staff could be very robust due to our unity, expertise and dedication,” he added. “I am assured.
“The preparation consisted of three video games during which we performed and confirmed resilience and depth in troublesome conditions.
“Whenever you’re at an excellent degree, it is essential to win, however it’s additionally essential to lose. It was crucial that we did not lose in opposition to Colombia. The World Cup begins (Thursday).”
