Portugal coach Martinez explains why he kept Ronaldo on despite missed chances against Nigeria

Author: Don SilasPublished on: June 12, 2026Country: Portugal

Sports

Portugal coach Martinez explains why he kept Ronaldo on despite missed chances against Nigeria

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez explained why he kept captain Cristiano Ronaldo on for over an hour despite his missed chances against Nigeria. Ronaldo, 41, was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the 65th minute as Portugal won 2-1 in the friendly. Martinez stated Ronaldo had a 60-minute plan, while Diogo Costa was set for 90 minutes and Nuno Mendes for 30. Portugal will face DR Congo in their World Cup opener next Wednesday.

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