Portugal beats Croatia 2-1 in World Cup last 32, Martínez dedicates win to Diogo Jota and André Silva
Roberto Martínez's Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in Toronto to reach the World Cup last 16, with the coach dedicating the victory to Diogo Jota and André Silva, who died a year ago, and to Ricardo Carvalho's recently deceased father.
Match recap
Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 in the World Cup round of 32 at Toronto's BMO Field, advancing to a last-16 meeting with Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty to give Portugal the lead, but Croatia equalised in the second half. Substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed the winner, sparking emotional celebrations.
A win for the fallen
Coach Roberto Martínez dedicated the victory to three people close to the squad.
Jota and Silva, former internationals, died in a car crash exactly one year ago. Carvalho's father passed away on Monday. Martínez pointed to a series of coincidences: the 2-1 scoreline matched Jota's shirt number 21, and Croatia was the last national team Jota scored against, in a match at the Estádio do Jamor on 3 July.We won for Ricardo Carvalho's father, for Diogo Jota and for André Silva.
It was the typical game for Diogo. Many signs. Diogo sent a lot of strength and energy. He is certainly proud.
First-half control
Portugal dominated the opening period, which Martínez called "fantastic at all levels". The team pressed with intensity, denied Croatia space, and created several chances. João Neves and Rafael Leão started, while Gonçalo Ramos was introduced early in the second half to partner Ronaldo. After Croatia's equaliser, Portugal had to dig deep.
The perfect game no longer exists in World Cups. You need talent, tactical discipline, but also heart.
Squad depth and tactical shifts
Martínez highlighted the different profiles at his disposal. He praised Ronaldo's composure from the spot and Ramos's movement in the box.
The coach also brought on Francisco Conceição, Bernardo Silva, and Nélson Semedo to regain control, noting that the bench had been crucial since the Euro 2024 campaign.There is no other player in the World Cup who can take a penalty like Cristiano did today, and no other striker with the strength and ability to enter the area like Gonçalo Ramos.
Martínez said football is about suffering and personality, and his team showed both.We have players prepared and who can add during the game.
Spain awaits
Portugal will face Spain in the round of 16 on Monday. Martínez expects a tight contest.
He stressed the need for quick recovery and maintaining the team's commitment and focus.It will be a great game. We know each other very well.
