Portugal Prepares for Knockouts as a 'New World Cup' Challenge

WHO:

Reuters - Roberto Martinez is the coach of the Portugal national football team.

The New York Times - Cristiano Ronaldo is a player on the Portugal national football team.

WHAT:

Reuters - Portugal will approach the knockout stage of the World Cup as a 'second World Cup'.

The New York Times - Portugal finished second in Group K with two draws and one victory.

The New York Times - Portugal's group stage results included a 5-0 victory against Uzbekistan, a draw against DR Congo, and a draw against Colombia.

The New York Times - Portugal conceded only one goal across their three group games.

WHERE:

The New York Times - Portugal is competing in the 2026 World Cup.

WHEN:

The New York Times - Portugal is set to face Croatia in the round of 32.

WHY:

The New York Times - Portugal's tactical approach aims to dominate possession and quickly regain control when they lose the ball.

HOW:

The New York Times - Martinez's strategy involves splitting centre-backs wide during build-up and pushing five players onto the opposition back line.

The New York Times - Portugal's attacking method includes stretching the opposition's defense laterally and creating space for runs behind the defense.

The New York Times - Ronaldo's positioning is used to create space for teammates, acting as a decoy to draw defenders away.

(UPDATED July 2, 2026 01:44 UTC)

Portugal, led by coach Roberto Martinez, is gearing up for the knockout stage of the World Cup, viewing it as a 'second World Cup' after finishing second in Group K with two draws and one victory. Their group stage included a commanding 5-0 win against Uzbekistan, along with draws against DR Congo and Colombia, while conceding only one goal throughout the three matches. As they prepare to face Croatia in the round of 32, Martinez's strategy focuses on dominating possession and utilizing Cristiano Ronaldo's positioning to create space for his teammates.