Portugal Coach Martinez: "The Second World Cup Begins Now" Ahead of Round of 32

Portugal national football team head coach Roberto Martinez has expressed his determination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, stating, "The second World Cup begins now."

Speaking at a press conference held at the Toronto Stadium in Canada today (July 2), one day before the Round of 32 match against Croatia, Martinez said, "The three group stage matches were an important preparation process."

This tournament has seen an extended duration due to the increase in participating nations to 48.

The group stage schedule has been lengthened to approximately three weeks, and the knockout stage now begins with the Round of 32 rather than the Round of 16.

With the tournament extended, players may be facing mental fatigue at this stage.

It appears that Martinez is using the phrase "the second World Cup" to rally the team's atmosphere.

Portugal finished second in Group K, following Colombia, after recording draws against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia, and securing a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

Croatia also advanced to the Round of 32 as the runner-up of Group L, behind England.

Regarding Croatia, Martinez remarked, "They are a team we know well. They also know our strengths and talents. It will be an intense match."

Croatia is a powerhouse that finished as runners-up in the 2018 Russia World Cup and took third place in the 2022 Qatar tournament.

The clash between Portugal's superstar Cristiano Ronaldo (41) and Croatia's veteran midfielder Luka Modric (40) is the most anticipated point of the match.

It is highly likely that this will be the final World Cup stage for both players.

Martinez praised both players as "icons of sport who transcend public opinion," adding, "Age is just a number. What matters is what they show on the pitch and how they set an example for their younger teammates in the locker room."

Following Ronaldo playing the full 90 minutes in the final group stage match against Colombia, local Portuguese media have raised concerns.

The criticism suggests that striker Goncalo Ramos has not been given enough playing time.

In response, Martinez stated, "What is important is that every player, whether they are in the starting lineup or on the bench, is ready to play for the team."

The match against Croatia holds special significance for the Portuguese national team.

The day of the match is one day before the anniversary of the passing of forward Diogo Jota, who died in a traffic accident last year.

Midfielder Vitinha said, "We have more than enough motivation to win tomorrow. We will do our best for our families, for Diogo Jota, and for all of Portugal."

The Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia will take place at 8:00 AM tomorrow at the Toronto Stadium in Canada.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.