Roberto Martínez Hails Portugal's Spirit After 2-1 Croatia Thriller

Roberto Martínez hailed Portugal's character and adaptability after his side survived a dramatic late scare to defeat Croatia 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner before Croatia thought they had forced extra time through Joško Gvardiol, only for the goal to be ruled out following a lengthy VAR review. Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier equalised from the penalty spot after Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead in a fiercely contested knockout tie in Toronto.

Reflecting on a match that swung dramatically after half-time, Martínez felt Portugal had laid the foundations with an excellent opening 45 minutes, even if they failed to make their dominance count.

"We're at the World Cup. The games are super competitive," Martínez said in his post-match press conference. "The first half was really good. We matched them technically and tactically; we were actually better than Croatia. We controlled the game well; we just missed the goal, but we completely shut down what Croatia does best."

He was equally pleased with how his side responded after falling behind in the second half.

"The momentum totally flipped after their goal, but that's where we relied on the strength of our squad," he explained. "We showed a lot of heart and the ability to use different styles and adapt to what the game needed. It's a day to be really proud of our players."

Martínez also attached special emotional significance to the victory, dedicating the performance to the memory of Diogo Jota and his family.

"Today is the day we honour Diogo Jota, André and their father," he said. "Playing against Croatia, the last team Diogo scored against for Portugal, wearing number 21, there were many signs. The focus and belief we showed reminded us of what Diogo brought to this team. We have a responsibility to carry those values forward. That spirit is our light in this World Cup."

One of the defining moments of the evening came when Martínez reshaped his side during the second half, introducing Gonçalo Ramos before later adding Ruben Neves to regain control of midfield.

The Portugal coach explained that he made each substitution in response to the changing rhythm of the contest.

"When it became difficult to get into the final third, bringing on Gonçalo Ramos alongside Cristiano gave us another presence in the box," Martínez said.

"After we equalised, Croatia had to take more risks. Their biggest strength is the connection between Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, so that was the right moment to introduce another midfielder and control that area of the pitch."

Martínez also praised the impact made by his substitutes throughout the tournament.

"Gonçalo Ramos always gives us something different, just like Bernardo Silva and Ruben Neves when they came on. Our bench has consistently improved the team. The important thing is to start well and finish even stronger."

Asked whether Ramos had now earned a place in the starting XI, Martínez avoided making individual judgements.

"The first half was probably our best performance of the World Cup in terms of defensive intensity and structure. The game changed after Croatia scored. We simply used the different qualities we have within the squad."

Portugal's reward is a mouthwatering Round of 16 clash against Spain, and Martínez expects another finely balanced encounter between two familiar rivals.

"We know Spain very well, and they know us," he said. "It's going to be an amazing match. Both teams want to dominate possession, attack quickly and create chances."

When asked whether either side should be considered favourites, Martínez dismissed the idea.

"If you look at the Round of 16, almost every game comes down to small details. I think the match against Spain will be exactly the same."

Croatia's late disallowed equaliser sparked immediate debate, but Martínez was adamant that technology had produced the correct outcome.

"I have a lot of respect for Croatia and their people," he said. "But the message is clear. There were two touches before the ball reached the scorer, and the sensor confirmed that. At that moment the player was offside."

"Before, these decisions were very difficult. Today, technology helped football. There was no opinion involved. The decisions were correct."

Martínez also paid tribute to Luka Modrić after what could prove to be the Croatian captain's final World Cup appearance.

"We're talking about a player who has had an incredible career and still plays with the energy, intelligence and quality of someone much younger," he said.

"People often talk about physicality and technique, but Modrić's ability to read the game and always make the right decision is exceptional. He's inspired millions of young footballers, and his legacy will stay in football history forever."

While acknowledging Portugal's growing confidence, Martínez insisted his squad remain grounded as they continue chasing what would be the country's first World Cup title.

"The World Cup isn't about how it starts; it's about how it ends," he said.

"Of course we can dream. Every child dreams of winning the World Cup. But as coaches we have to build the path towards that dream."

"We don't see ourselves as favourites because the teams that have already won the World Cup have a psychological advantage. What we have is a self-critical group that wants to improve."

After surviving one of the tournament's most dramatic finishes, Portugal now turn their attention to Spain, carrying renewed belief, strengthened by a comeback victory that Martínez believes revealed the character required to compete deep into the competition.