Coach Martinez: 'Ronaldo helps Portugal avoid getting swept up in World Cup pressure'
According to Roberto Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo's experience from six World Cups will help Portugal maintain their composure in the decisive match for top spot in Group K against Colombia.
After two matches, Portugal earned four points by drawing 0-0 with Congo and then beating Uzbekistan 5-0, while Colombia has six points. Therefore, they need to win at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami today to take the top spot.
However, in the pre-match press conference, Martinez said the team is only focusing on the goal of defeating Colombia instead of calculating positions on the table. "In a tournament like the World Cup, there is no easier path. The important thing is to achieve the best state in the dressing room, and that only comes after winning," he said. "We highly respect Colombia, but the goal is to build on what we showed against Uzbekistan and prepare best for the next stage."
Coach Roberto Martinez (black shirt) hugs Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in the second match of Group K at the 2026 World Cup at Houston stadium on June 23, 2026. Photo: Reuters
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One of the most talked-about topics is the pressure of playing in Miami, where a large number of Colombian fans are expected. Martinez admitted this will be the first time Portugal has to play in an almost away-like atmosphere since the start of the tournament. "We need to control our emotions as we did in the match against Uzbekistan. This might be the first match at the World Cup where Portugal has to play as if away. It is a good challenge to prove we can still be ourselves in a different environment," he said.
The Portugal head coach also had special words for Ronaldo. According to him, the 41-year-old striker not only brings technical quality but is also a mental anchor, helping the team balance their emotions. "The experience of a captain who has played in six World Cups is very useful, helping us not get swept up in the pressure. In addition, we have the captain of Man Utd, leaders of Man City, Porto, or Al Hilal. The national team has a very good balance of responsibility, confidence, and ambition."
*Key highlights of the Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan match.
The 52-year-old manager also said the win over Uzbekistan was not only tactically significant but also helped the team regain confidence after the disappointing draw against Congo. According to him, the psychological factor is just as important as tactics in major tournaments.
"Many people talk about the criticism after the first match or the victory in the second match, but that does not affect us. The important thing is that the team has learned how to control the match and control emotions. We are growing after each match," Martinez emphasized.
*Key highlights of the Colombia 1-0 DR Congo match.
Martinez also spent a lot of time analyzing the opponent. According to him, Colombia is the most complete team Portugal has faced since the start of the World Cup, thanks to a tactical system stably built under coach Nestor Lorenzo. He assessed that James Rodriguez, Juan Quintero, Jhon Arias, and Kevin Castano help Colombia control the midfield, while Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez create great damage in transitions. The two full-backs Johan Mojica and Daniel Munoz also frequently push high to support the attack.
Martinez also stated that all 26 players are in good physical condition but he has not decided on the starting lineup yet. According to him, squad depth is one of Portugal's greatest strengths.
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