Martinez is out, Jorge Jesus is coming next

Portugal had high hopes for this World Cup. They have an excellent squad with quality players, led by aging Cristiano Ronaldo, and this was suppose to be his swan song. But unlike the Leo Messi‘s fairytale in Qatar 2022, Ronaldo‘s story ended in tears after Mikel Merino‘s 91st minute winner. Now it‘s time for departures and the first one to go was coach Roberto Martinez. His failure is obvious as Portugal was not only eliminated, but didn‘t play as well as they could in the group stage and finished second, forcing an unnecessary meeting with Spain earlier than expected. He was criticized heavily for his relationship with Ronaldo as well. The whole world saw that the former Real forward is not what it used to be, yet he was forcing him to play all the way.

Merino's injury time winner and Ronaldo's tears

It should have been over sooner

After a heartbreaking injury-time loss, nobody was interested to hear the game summary, or any further analysis. Reporters wanted to be informed about Martinez‘s future and the Spaniard was precise.

"This is my last game with the National Team. I thank the Portuguese people. It was an incredible period, a pride I can't describe. I thank all the players for their hard work and talent. It's easy to have good players; the important thing is to build a team. We did that. These 45 games are the best numbers in Portugal's history, and that's the players' commitment. It's the end of a cycle. It's legitimate that Pedro Proenca can choose his coach. I appreciate the support and everything they did to give me all the necessary working conditions. It wasn't a done deal. I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and without winning the World Cup, it doesn't make sense to continue. The board and the president have the option to choose their national team coach. My contract ends today, and there's not much more to say" he announced.

Merino's injury time winner and Ronaldo's tears

The Portuguese press is already trying to find out the name of Martinez‘s successor and the familiar name turned up. As per A Bola ti will be the 71-year old Jorge Jesus. The experienced manager is president Pedro Proenca‘s first choice to lead the team through Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco. The pressure will be even bigger this time, due to Portugal being co-host and Ronaldo‘s former coach in Al Nassr could be the answer. Jesus managed a number of clubs in Portugal but his time with Benfica is the most memorable one. Apart from his three titles with Benfica, Jesus also has titles with both Al Nassr and Al Hilal.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 16

Saturday

Canada - Morocco 0-3 (0-0)

/Ounahi 50, 82, Rahimi 90+8/

Sunday

France - Paraguay 1-0 (0-0)

/Mbappe 70 pen/

Brazil - Norway 1-2 (0-0)

/Neymar 90+10 pen - Haaland 79, 90/

Monday

Mexico - England 2-3 (1-2)

/Quinones 42, Jimenez 69 pen - Bellingham 36,38, Kane 60 pen/

Portugal - Spain 0-1(0-0)

/Merino 90+1/

Tuesday

USA - Belgium 1-4 (1-2)

/Tillman 31 - De Ketelaere 9, 33, Vanaken 57, Lukaku 90+3/

19.00: (1.37) Argentina (4.70) Egypt (9.00)

23.00: (3.40) Switzerland (3.25) Colombia (2.30)

***odds are subject to change***