Roberto Martinez confirmed his resignation as coach of the Portugal national team after the defeat Exit from the round of 16 in the World Cup.
Portugal produced an uninspiring performance, with Mikel Merino scoring the winner in the 91st minute as Spain beat their Iberian neighbors 1-0 and qualified for the quarter-finals with the United States or Belgium.
Portugal’s defeat ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career, with the 41-year-old largely a marginal figure in his final match on the biggest stage. Ronaldo announced on Sunday that his sixth participation in the World Cup will be his last.
Having failed to keep alive their hopes of winning their first world title, Portugal will now advance without Martinez.
Martinez was expected to step down after the tournament in North America, and Martinez said in his post-match press conference: “It is the end of the cycle. It is important to have a new voice, a new leader.”
“I bring with me memories, and I hope that Portugal will have good memories of the three and a half years that I was coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.
“It was not decided before (that I would leave after the tournament). I came with the goal of winning the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.”
Martinez takes over as Portugal coach in 2023 after failing to lead Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ to a major title during more than six years with the Red Devils.
He won silverware with Portugal, leading them to glory in the UEFA Nations League last year when they beat Spain in the final.
Portugal’s UEFA Nations League defense begins in September, when a new era will begin against Wales.
