Martínez focuses on 'attitude' and 'effort,' sidesteps Cristiano debate before Croatia clash

Portugal's coach Roberto Martínez attempted to quell controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's potential starting position for the match against Croatia. Speaking ahead of the Round of 16 World Cup game, Martínez shifted the focus to the team's imperative to view the upcoming fixture as the commencement of a new phase within the tournament.

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The noise from outside is normal, because it's the passion for the national team. There's a lot of energy and always a lot of opinion, and it's totally part of the national team.

"The noise from outside is normal because it's the passion for the national team. There's a lot of energy and always a lot of opinion, and it's totally part of the national team," Martínez stated, deliberately sidestepping the debate on Ronaldo's starting status. He argued that the significance of the match demanded that personal situations and the future of any individual player be secondary. Portugal, he reminded reporters, has spent three and a half years preparing for this stage and must concentrate on internal preparations for the duel.

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He continues to be very important. He is the captain. Age is a number. He sets an example with what he does in the locker room. He is an example for me.

Martínez did, however, affirm Ronaldo's value within the squad. "He continues to be very important. He is the captain. Age is a number. He sets an example with what he does in the locker room. He is an example for me," the coach said. Responding to a Portuguese media outlet's question about alleged distrust among some fans, Martínez called it a "very subjective" opinion, asserting that the team maintains internal strength and the support of its fanbase.

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What can I promise the Portuguese people? Because your question is about promises. I can promise attitude, effort, and all the values of the Portuguese people that are in the locker room to try to start a new path tomorrow.

"What can I promise the Portuguese people? Because your question is about promises. I can promise attitude, effort, and all the values of the Portuguese people that are in the locker room to try to start a new path tomorrow," Martínez declared. He reiterated that Portugal had concluded the group stage, marking the end of the tournament's first part and the beginning of the knockout rounds. The initial three matches, he explained, served to give playing time to 21 outfield players and prepare the group for a demanding knockout tie. "Now we finish the first World Cup. As I said, tomorrow we start the second World Cup, and only when the World Cup ends can we evaluate," Martínez added, quoting Spanish writer Antonio Machado: "Wanderer, there is no path, the path is made by walking. The path is made by walking. That is exactly what we are doing."

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Now we finish the first World Cup. As I said, tomorrow we start the second World Cup, and only when the World Cup ends can we evaluate.