Martinez Praises Portugal’s Leadership After Ronaldo’s Suspension Following Big Win
Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martínez has applauded his squad for stepping up in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, following their dominant 9–1 victory over Armenia in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifying game.
Ronaldo was suspended after a red card in Portugal’s preceding 2–0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland, raising concerns about who would deliver goals in his absence.
But the team answered in resounding fashion, Bruno Fernandes and João Neves each scored hat-tricks, while Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceição also found the net.
Martínez emphasized that the strength of the team lies not in any one individual, but in the collective. “When we talk about players individually, it’s not just about Ronaldo, it’s about everyone,” he said, stressing that every outfield player in the 25-man squad has something to contribute.
According to Martínez, leadership emerged from several figures, especially Fernandes, Rúben Dias, and Bernardo Silva, proving that the team can thrive even without their star striker.
He also pointed out the depth in Portugal’s squad, noting that key players like Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto didn’t feature in the match, yet the team still produced a commanding performance.
With this win, Portugal has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup, marking their seventh consecutive appearance in the tournament.
Martínez used the occasion to underline his ambition: he wants his team to aim higher than just qualifying, he believes they can contend for the trophy.
He reflected on lessons learned in recent competitions, saying that while previous squads sometimes lacked resilience, this victory under pressure bodes well for their World Cup preparation.
Martínez added that the team must harness the Portuguese spirit and unity as they build toward the tournament, declaring, “We will try to win the World Cup … we have to be together.”