Portugal x Croatia: coach does not confirm Cristiano Ronaldo as starter

Cristiano Ronaldo may not start among Portugal's starters in the clash with Croatia, this Thursday (2), in the second phase of the World Cup. Asked about the possibility of sparing number 7, coach Roberto Martínez avoided anticipating the lineup and stated that the most important thing is to have the entire squad prepared for the remainder of the tournament.

"First to say that tomorrow we start the second World Cup. Good preparation in the three group stage games was very important. The important thing now is that we have 21 players who have already been to the World Cup, which means that everyone is prepared. We couldn't risk Bernardo Silva against Colombia. The minutes are not important, but that everyone is prepared, whether in the starting 11 or on the bench", he said.

Despite the charges, Martínez insisted on defending Cristiano and compared his longevity to that of Luka Modric, the Croatian national team's main reference.

"We are talking about players who are above public opinion, they are special. Modric, over 40 years old, continues to play many games. The longevity within football for Cristiano and Modric makes them icons of the sport."

The coach also acknowledged that Portugal was the target of criticism during the first phase, but stated that the internal environment remains strengthened before the decisive duel.

"Being self-critical is essential. Players don't look for excuses, we are all together to align aspects. It's different from a club, where we have many training sessions. The noise from outside is normal. The dressing room is united, we need to win."

Portugal and Croatia face each other this Thursday (2), at 4pm (Brasília time), in a duel valid for the second phase of the World Cup. The winner faces whoever passes from Colombia and Ghana.

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Source: CNN