Martínez: The World Cup has only just begun for Portugal

Roberto Martínez said Portugal’s World Cup campaign effectively starts in the last 16, after his side beat Croatia 2-1.

Martínez said Portugal were excellent in the first half and kept playing with belief after conceding. He added that the team wants to play with pride, solidity and heart.

He also paid tribute to Diogo Jota on the anniversary of the forward’s death, saying the match belonged to him. Portugal won 2-1, and Martínez noted that the game came against the same opponent against whom Jota scored his last goal.

The coach explained some of his substitutions, including Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, by saying Portugal have different attacking options. He highlighted Ronaldo’s penalty ability, Gonçalo Ramos’ box presence, and the use of Bernardo Silva, Rúben Neves and Nélson Semedo.

Portugal now face Spain in the last 16. Martínez said the sides know each other well and expects a game where both will look to create chances.