Portugal national team coach Roberto Martinez said his team was unlucky in their 0-1 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium, United States.
The defeat, thanks to Mikel Merino's 90+1 minute goal, eliminated Portugal from the tournament. The Spanish coach also lamented Portugal's failed scoring opportunities, including Nuno Mendes' shot hitting the crossbar in the first half.
"Maybe we were just a little unlucky. Luck wasn't on our side today, but it was a very balanced game," Martinez told FIFA's official website.
Martinez believes Portugal played on par with Spain and the match should have gone to extra time.
"We defended well. We were playing against one of the favorites to win the World Cup. I think we deserved to take the game to extra time," he said.
The defeat also ended Portugal's journey at the 2026 World Cup and ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career.
