Martinez Backs Ronaldo After Portugal Held by Colombia in World Cup Group Finale

          

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has defended his decision to keep captain Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes after his side played out a goalless draw against Colombia in their final World Cup Group K match.

The result saw Portugal finish second in the group, while Colombia claimed first place after an impressive group-stage campaign.

 

Ronaldo, who is competing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, made his 25th appearance in the tournament. However, the veteran striker found it difficult to influence the game. He managed only one shot on target from three attempts and recorded just 35 touches throughout the match, one of the lowest totals among Portugal's starting outfield players.

The 41-year-old was also caught offside twice, continuing a trend that has seen him flagged offside 11 times across the last two World Cups—more than any other player during that period.

Unlike other football stars such as Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, who were rested during their teams' final group-stage matches, Ronaldo started once again and completed the entire game. Alongside Bruno Fernandes and Renato Veiga, he is one of only three Portugal outfield players to have played every minute of the tournament so far.

Martinez insisted that his decision was based on careful monitoring of player fitness rather than comparisons with other national teams.

"We don't make decisions by comparing our players to others," Martinez explained. "We constantly monitor the physical condition of every player during matches. Cristiano was physically and mentally capable of playing the full 90 minutes. If changes are needed in future games, we'll make them just as we would for any other player."

Portugal will now face Croatia in the Round of 32 after the Croatians secured second place in Group L with a victory over Ghana.

The knockout match is scheduled for July 2 in Toronto, just one day before the first anniversary of the passing of Diogo Jota.

Martinez admitted that Jota's memory remains a powerful source of motivation for the Portuguese squad.

"Diogo is always in our thoughts," he said. "We want to honour him and continue the journey we started together. Winning the World Cup for him would be the greatest tribute we could give."

 

Colombia Impress Despite Missed Chances

 Although Colombia failed to score against Portugal, they produced an outstanding attacking display, creating 24 shots—the highest number they have ever recorded in a World Cup match since detailed statistics began in 1966.

Nestor Lorenzo's side generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.7 but could only direct six efforts on target. Portugal, by comparison, registered 13 shots with an xG of 0.93.

Lorenzo praised his team's performance but admitted they must become more clinical in front of goal as the tournament progresses.

"Against top teams, if you waste this many opportunities, eventually you'll be punished," he said. "We are pleased to finish top of the group, but we know we need to improve our finishing."

When asked whether Colombia's strong performances would increase expectations back home, Lorenzo remained cautious.

"Our supporters have every reason to believe in this team," he said. "But we must stay focused and take each match one step at a time."

Colombia now advance to the Round of 32, where they will meet Ghana, while Portugal prepare for a difficult knockout clash with Croatia.