Ricardo Quaresma Criticises Coach and Players After Portugal's World Cup Exit

Former Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma launched a strong criticism of head coach Roberto Martinez and the national team players after Portugal were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 16. Cristiano Ronaldo's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, bringing their tournament campaign and Martinez's tenure as head coach to an end. Quaresma questioned the team's performance, tactics and mentality while rejecting suggestions that the current squad should be considered the best in Portugal's history.

Martinez confirmed after the defeat that the match was his last in charge of Portugal and said he was proud of his time with the national team. Quaresma strongly challenged those comments, asking what there was to be proud of after another major tournament ended without success. The former international argued that Martinez had previously managed a highly talented Belgium generation without winning a major trophy and had again failed to maximise the potential of an outstanding group of players with Portugal.

Quaresma said winning the UEFA Nations League was not enough given the quality available in the Portuguese squad. He also analysed the defeat to Spain and identified the injury to left-back Nuno Mendes as a major turning point. According to Quaresma, Spain winger Lamine Yamal had struggled to influence the game while Mendes was on the field but became increasingly dangerous after the defender was forced off, allowing Spain to grow in confidence and take greater control of the contest.

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The former Portugal forward did not place all the responsibility on Martinez and also criticised the players for failing to perform at the required level. He described Portugal's midfield as highly talented but extremely weak during the match and said the defence lacked organisation. Quaresma argued that experienced players should have been capable of responding to the demands of the game and taking greater responsibility on the field rather than waiting entirely for instructions from the coaching staff.

Quaresma also questioned Portugal's tactical identity and several substitutions made during the defeat. He said Spain controlled the match from beginning to end, dictating the tempo and increasing or reducing the pace whenever they wanted. In contrast, he felt Portugal played without enough desire, creativity or urgency. Quaresma said Martinez had experimented with numerous tactical systems during his tenure but had never convinced him that the team had developed a clear and effective style of play.

The former Barcelona and Portugal winger also dismissed claims that the current squad was the greatest in the country's history, arguing that such a reputation must be supported by major achievements. He said Portugal were leaving the World Cup disappointed and with their heads down despite entering the tournament with one of the most talented squads. Quaresma called for the Portuguese football authorities to appoint a coach capable of understanding the team's strengths and building a clear identity around its players.

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