During the afternoon of this Thursday, July 2, the selection of Portugal defeated its counterpart 2-1 Croatia in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cupin one of the best outcomes of this World Cupbecause the second Portuguese goal fell after a minute 93 The Croatians already had a score annulled after a minute 103.
However, one of the most striking aspects of the commitment were the substitutions from the Spanish coach Roberto Martínez, who began to completely change the scheme of the Portuguese team in the 60th minute, with four substitutions at the same time and, a few minutes later, after scoring from the penalty spot, he took Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal went out to the Canadian National Stadium with a lineup 4-2-3-1one of the most popular and balanced formations in modern football, as it is made up of four defensestwo holding midfielders or double pivot, three midfielders offensive and a only center forwardwhich in this case was Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, although the formation offers great defensive solidity and control In the midfield, Portugal’s technical director realized that this scheme was not working for him and made five substitutions – including that of Ronaldo – to finish the game with a lineup 4-4-2ideal for quick transitions and play on the wings.
The substitutions that saved Portugal
Ruben Neves
Rúben Neves is a center recognized for his vision of the game, his precision in long passes and his powerful mid-distance shot. Therefore, he came on for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 81st minute and, against Croatia, he stood out for his tactical reading, his intelligence to intercept balls and their ability to lead the ball out from the back.
Bernard Silva
Bernardo Silva is recognized for his tactical intelligence, extraordinary mental speed and ability to retain the ball under pressure. Faced with this scenario, after entering the 62nd minute of the game against Croatia, he stood out more for his vision of the game and control that due to his physical display or top speed, just what the Portuguese team needed.
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Nelson Semedo
Nelson Semedo He is a fast and offensive right back who, after entering through Bruno Fernandes in the 63rd minute of the game against Croatia, he stood out for his great physical display, ability to overflow and solidity in one against one, where he best occupied the position of João Cancelowho often operates as a midfield player further.
Francisco Conceição
Francisco Conceição is a Portuguese footballer who plays as far right and, after entering Pedro Neto in the 63rd minute of the game against Croatia, he stood out for his great speed, dribbling ability in small spaces and powerful shot with his left leg, which allowed him constantly unbalance by the bands.
Goncalo Ramos
Despite this, the substitution that change the match was Goncalo RamosPortuguese center forward of elite who stood out against Croatia for his great scoring instinct, powerful back game and ability to attack the spaces. That allowed him to score the winning goal in the 93rd minute and send his country to the round of 16.
Ramos combined his physical strength, aggressiveness in pressure and an excellent one-touch finishing technique to meet the demands of the Spanish coach, who took a risk by replacing Cristiano Ronaldo, but at the end of the match he showed why he is who better He knows his players and knows what is best for the team.