Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has now broken his silence over Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes being hooked off during the Croatia match.
Roberto Martinez’s side punched their progression to the knockout stages of the World Cup after Portugal finished second in Group K behind Colombia.
Portugal were matched with Croatia for their round-of-32 clash and Martinez’s men came from behind to secure a 2-1 win and to progress to the last 16.
Bruno Fernandes started in the No 10 role behind Cristiano Ronaldo for Friday’s World Cup win, but Martinez made the surprise call to sub him off in the clash.
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Roberto Martinez explains why his tactical changes were so important for Portugal after Bruno Fernandes came off
Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock for Croatia only eight minutes into the second half at the BMO Field and Roberto Martinez made key changes to the Portugal set-up.
Bruno Fernandes made way for Nelson Semedo in the 63rd minute, while Pedro Neto, Vitinha and Joao Cancelo were all hooked off at the same time as well.
Martinez brought on the likes of Goncalo Ramos, Francisco Conceicao and Bernardo Silva alongside Nelson Semedo amid Portugal’s pursuit of a second-half equaliser.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Martinez explained that Fernandes had to come off alongside Pedro Neto, Vitinha and Joao Cancelo for tactical reasons.
“Goncalo Ramos is a player who adds value, as do Bernardo, Semedo, Francisco Conceicao, Ruben Neves… we’re used to seeing the bench contribute,” he said, as per Maisfutebol.
“It’s about starting well and trying to finish even better. During the game, we tried to take a lot of risks with two forwards to pressure Croatia’s central defenders, because Croatia isn’t a team that has defensive midfielders who get back to the defensive line.
“But then we needed another midfielder and that was the moment to use Rúben Neves, which is why we took off a forward.”
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Roberto Martinez’s verdict on Portugal’s World Cup performance against Croatia after Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact
Cristiano Ronaldo netted Portugal’s all-important equaliser in the 68th minute before the United legend was forced to make way for Ruben Neves in the 81st minute.
Martinez admitted that Portugal were able to come back with a strong display against Croatia after half-time, following their ‘superiority’ over their opponents in the first half, too.
“We’re at the World Cup and the games are very competitive,” he explained.
“In the first half, we were superior to Croatia; we lacked the goal, but we neutralised what Croatia does well.
“The second half was different, a more open game and we conceded a goal. It’s easy, at that moment, to give strength to Croatia, but this is where we can use the team’s strengths and we showed heart, but also the ability to adjust what we need and use different profiles.
“Of course, there are aspects to improve, but it’s a day to be proud of the players.”
Goncalo Ramos netted Portugal’s winner in injury time and Martinez’s men will now face Euro 2024 champions Spain on Monday in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
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