Coach Roberto Martinez Details Tactical Reason for Substituting Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s 2‑1 Victory Over Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in Portugal’s impressive comeback, scoring the opening penalty and making history with two record‑breaking achievements as Portugal edged Croatia 2‑1.

Nevertheless, with the scoreline still level, coach Roberto Martinez made the unexpected decision to substitute the Portuguese captain with ten minutes plus stoppage time still to play.

During his press conference, when asked about the substitution and its implications for Goncalo Ramos, Martinez explained the tactical reasoning in detail.

Goncalo Ramos consistently adds something when he comes on, like Bernardo Silva and Conceicao. It is important to start well and finish strongly. We took a big risk by playing with two strikers, but then we needed an extra midfielder, so we took off Cristiano, the Spanish coach explained.

Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal high fives Ruben Neves #21 as he is substituted. (Getty Images)

The Portuguese captain left the pitch in the 81st minute to make way for Ruben Neves, a holding midfielder brought on to provide extra defensive cover as Croatia increasingly threatened Diogo Costa’s box.

A Tactical Adjustment That Delivered Success

Martinez said the substitution reflected a broader tactical adjustment rather than any decline in Ronaldo’s performance, especially after he had just equalized with a penalty.

Facing extended possession from Croatia, Martinez chose to strengthen his midfield instead of persisting with two pure strikers, a decision validated when Ramos headed the stoppage‑time winner from a Rafael Leão cross.

The move also prompts questions about how Martinez will manage his attacking options ahead of the decisive Round of 16 match against Spain on July 6 at Dallas Stadium.

It is highly probable that Ronaldo will remain a starter, while the issue is whether Ramos will be deployed as a second striker or whether the Spanish coach opts for a single center‑forward supported by wide players such as Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto.

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