Portugal's World Cup campaign concluded in a spectacular fashion following their exit in the last 16 to Spain. The team's performance has drawn intense criticism from national media, targeting both star player Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Roberto Martinez, who has resigned from his post.
Spain secured a 1-0 victory with a stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino, a result many in Portugal felt was a consequence of their own team's shortcomings. The Portuguese press has been particularly harsh, with newspaper A Bola suggesting it's time for Ronaldo to step aside due to his perceived ego hindering the team's performance. "It's time for Cristiano Ronaldo to step aside because, as we've already realised, his ego doesn't allow him to be substituted for a player who, nowadays, delivers unparalleled performance," the newspaper stated.
Ronaldo, who participated in his sixth World Cup, started all five of Portugal's matches. While he scored three goals, becoming the only man to score in six World Cups and Portugal's all-time top scorer in the competition, his overall contribution has been questioned. Critics point to a perceived lack of effort, lingering in offside positions, and minimal defensive contribution, particularly when in-form Goncalo Ramos was available on the bench. Analyst Chris Sutton described Ronaldo as "waddling around the field like a grandad," attributing the team's exit partly to his presence.
Roberto Martinez has also faced significant backlash, with critics labeling him "weak" and an "embarrassment" for his handling of the team and perceived favoritism towards Ronaldo. Sutton tweeted, "Roberto Martinez is an embarrassment. Goncalo Ramos stays on the bench. Ronaldo does what he wants… again! Portugal were a freak show… a circus. Martinez so weak." The Portuguese press echoed this sentiment, with A Bola writing, "The culprit has two names: Roberto Martinez." Correio da Man Manha noted, "Martinez made substitutions based on his personal bestseller list and lacked the nerve to take risks. Yes, he lacked courage and ideas to try something new that Portugal's game demanded."
Ronaldo expressed sadness at the manner of the exit but maintained he gave his all and leaves with a clear conscience. Reflecting on his international career, he stated, "I played 23 years in the national team and won three titles. Before Cristiano, Portugal had not won anything. The Euros was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly."
Martinez, who previously managed Belgium for a decade, is now entering the job market. His tenure with Portugal, following his time with Belgium which included a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, has been described as middling, failing to fully capitalize on the available talent. Jorge Jesus is reportedly being considered as his successor. Jesus, a 71-year-old with extensive club experience, previously managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
The frustration was palpable within the squad. Ruben Dias, a key defender, reportedly stormed out of a post-match interview, visibly upset that the match-winner Merino was speaking nearby. Nelson Semedo eventually emerged an hour later to answer questions.
Portugal's World Cup journey was also impacted by the injury to Nuno Mendes, considered one of the world's best full-backs, who had to be substituted after effectively marking Lamine Yamal. Ultimately, the tournament ended as a story of missed opportunities for Portugal, with the team's collapse drawing considerable attention and blame.
