Roberto Martínez: 'Cristiano Ronaldo is an example and it seems like his first World Cup'

Houston (EE.UU.) - Spanish coach Roberto Martínez stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is an example for all young football fans, and despite this being his sixth World Cup, he approaches it with the emotional intensity of a debutant.

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Cristiano is once again an example and a reference for the group, for young boys and girls who are starting to follow his example. He is a marvel. Internally, it seems like it's his last World Cup.

Speaking at a press conference on the eve of Portugal's World Cup debut against Congo, Martínez described Ronaldo as a vital player, both on and off the field. "Cristiano is once again an example and a reference for the group, for young boys and girls who are starting to follow his example. He is a marvel. Internally, it seems like it's his last World Cup," Martínez said.

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At the internal level, it seems like it's his last World Cup. At the level of intensity, emotional strength, being prepared, and within the national team, he is a vital player. He is a penalty-box player, the one who opens up spaces, he is a footballer whose numbers reflect his importance.

Martínez also confirmed that Rúben Dias will be absent from the match against Congo due to physical discomfort, though he stressed that the injuries are not serious. He further emphasized the importance of discipline and rational strategy in pursuing Portugal's World Cup aspirations. "To say it's a dream, that's for everyone... My responsibility is to see how to reach the dream. The coach must demonstrate that he is capable of winning with Portugal, starting with the three group matches," he stated.

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To say it's a dream, that's for everyone... My responsibility is to see how to reach the dream. The coach must demonstrate that he is capable of winning with Portugal, starting with the three group matches.

The Portuguese coach then turned his attention to their first opponent, Congo, whom he has studied closely. "Congo is a team that eliminated Cameroon and Nigeria; it's a very flexible team, not just one that defends deep. African teams manage to press high, they have a very good defensive line and players who play in Europe's top leagues," he explained. Martínez also highlighted Portugal's strong footballing culture and its consistent production of top-tier talent, noting that a country of 10 million people produces world-class players annually and has won the U-17 World Cup.

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Congo is a team that eliminated Cameroon and Nigeria; it's a very flexible team, not just one that defends deep. African teams manage to press high, they have a very good defensive line and players who play in Europe's top leagues.