Behind the Win: How Portugal Thrives Without Their Star

Updated July 3, 2026 11 min read

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Behind the Win: How Portugal Thrives Without Cristiano Ronaldo

TL;DR: Portugal delivered a commanding 2-1 victory over Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 3, 2026, without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup. Gonçalo Ramos stepped up as the focal point of the attack, reigniting a long-running debate about whether Portugal’s future lies with younger talent. The win showcased a more balanced, team-oriented Portuguese side that no longer depends on a single individual to produce results on the biggest stage.

Portugal showed the world that they can win without Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, beating Croatia 2-1 in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout-round clash. The result raised a pivotal question that has followed this squad for years: should Gonçalo Ramos permanently replace Ronaldo as Portugal’s starting striker? The evidence from this match suggests the answer is more complicated — and more compelling — than a simple yes or no.

Quick Answer

Portugal proved they can thrive without Cristiano Ronaldo by defeating Croatia 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 3, 2026. Gonçalo Ramos led the attack with energy and intelligence, while the midfield controlled tempo throughout. Coach Roberto Martínez built a system that prioritizes collective movement over individual brilliance, and the performance against Croatia was the strongest argument yet that Portugal’s depth of talent makes them dangerous regardless of who wears the armband.

Key Takeaways

Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 without starting Cristiano Ronaldo
Gonçalo Ramos delivered a statement performance as the central striker, driving the press and linking play effectively
Roberto Martínez’s tactical system distributes attacking responsibility across multiple players rather than funneling everything through one star
Portugal’s midfield dominance was the foundation of the win, with Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha controlling possession and tempo
The Ronaldo replacement debate intensifies as Portugal advances deeper into the tournament

How Did Portugal Beat Croatia Without Ronaldo?

Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia was built on tactical discipline, collective pressing, and midfield control rather than moments of individual magic. Roberto Martínez set his team up in a fluid 4-3-3 formation that morphed into a 4-4-2 defensive block, denying Croatia’s creative players space between the lines. Portugal completed more passes in the final third than Croatia and won the territorial battle for most of the match.

According to ESPN’s match report, Portugal’s defensive organization was outstanding throughout the 90 minutes. The back line, marshaled by Rúben Dias, limited Croatia to few clear-cut opportunities. When the Croatian midfield did find pockets of space, Portugal’s midfield trio collapsed quickly to close passing lanes. The result was a performance defined by structure and discipline — qualities that do not always come to mind when people think of Portuguese football.

Why Gonçalo Ramos Was the Perfect Replacement

Gonçalo Ramos brought exactly what this Portugal team needed against Croatia: relentless pressing, intelligent movement, and the ability to create chances for teammates. Unlike a traditional number nine who waits for service, Ramos dropped deep to receive the ball, dragged Croatian center-backs out of position, and opened channels for the wingers to exploit. His work rate off the ball was equally impressive, leading Portugal’s high press and forcing Croatia into uncomfortable situations in their own half.

Ramos has long been considered Ronaldo’s heir apparent in the Portuguese setup. His breakout performance at the 2022 World Cup — where he scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the Round of 16 after replacing Ronaldo in the starting lineup — set the template for what he could offer. Four years later, his maturity and all-around game have developed significantly. Against Croatia, he demonstrated that he is no longer just a goal scorer but a complete forward who elevates the players around him.

Portugal’s Midfield Engine Controlled the Match

Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha dictated the rhythm of Portugal’s performance against Croatia. Fernandes operated in his preferred number ten role, threading passes into dangerous areas and arriving late in the box to threaten goal. Vitinha provided the metronome-like passing that kept possession moving quickly, preventing Croatia from setting their defensive shape. Together, they formed the backbone of a midfield that outplayed one of Europe’s most technically gifted midfields.

Portugal’s ability to control games through the middle of the park is a relatively recent development under Martínez. During the Euro 2024 campaign, the same midfield pairing showed glimpses of dominance but often relied on Ronaldo’s presence to convert possession into goals. Without that safety net against Croatia, the midfielders were forced to take on more creative responsibility — and they responded emphatically.

The Ronaldo Replacement Debate: Should Ramos Start Ahead of Ronaldo?

The question of whether Gonçalo Ramos should permanently replace Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal’s starting striker has been the most divisive topic in Portuguese football for nearly two years. The debate touches on performance, legacy, tactical fit, and the emotional weight of benching one of the greatest players in football history. After the Croatia victory, the discussion has reached a new peak.

The Case for Ramos Starting

Research shows that Portugal’s attacking output and defensive structure have both improved when Ramos starts instead of Ronaldo. The reasons are rooted in tactical mechanics rather than any decline in Ronaldo’s finishing ability. Ramos presses from the front with intensity, which allows Portugal to defend higher up the pitch and win the ball back in dangerous areas. His movement creates space for the wide players and attacking midfielders, resulting in a more balanced and unpredictable attack.

Higher defensive line: Ramos’s pressing allows Portugal to squeeze the pitch and win possession in the opponent’s half
More fluidity in attack: Without a fixed reference point, Portugal’s forwards interchange positions and create confusion for defenders
Improved team chemistry: Midfielders like Fernandes and Vitinha have more passing options when Ramos drops deep
Greater unpredictability: Opponents cannot simply man-mark one player to neutralize Portugal’s attack
Younger legs for knockout football: Ramos’s stamina supports the high-intensity game plan Martínez favors

The Case for Ronaldo’s Continued Role

Despite the tactical arguments in favor of Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific goal scorers in international football. His 2025-2026 season with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League produced consistent goal-scoring numbers, and his leadership in the Portugal dressing room is widely regarded as invaluable. Ronaldo’s ability to produce decisive moments — a penalty, a header from a set piece, a moment of sheer will — cannot be easily replicated.

Industry data indicates that Ronaldo has scored more knockout-stage goals at major tournaments than any other active player. His experience in high-pressure situations gives Portugal an edge that statistical models struggle to capture. For many within the Portuguese Football Federation, the idea of leaving Ronaldo on the bench for a World Cup quarterfinal remains unthinkable.

Factor	Gonçalo Ramos	Cristiano Ronaldo
Age (July 2026)	25	41
Pressing Intensity	High — leads the team’s press from the front	Moderate — conserves energy for attacking moments
Movement Off the Ball	Dynamic — drops deep, stretches defenders, creates space	Positional — finds space in the box, waits for service
Goal-Scoring Instinct	Strong — clinical finisher with improving all-around play	Elite — one of the most clinical finishers in history
Big-Game Experience	Growing — key moments at 2022 and 2026 World Cups	Unmatched — five Ballon d’Or awards, multiple Champions League titles
Defensive Contribution	Significant — key to Portugal’s high-press system	Limited — tactical role does not require heavy pressing

What Does Roberto Martínez’s System Require?

Roberto Martínez’s tactical philosophy for Portugal centers on positional play, high pressing, and controlled possession. The Belgian-born manager took charge of Portugal in 2023 and immediately set about modernizing a squad that had often relied on individual talent to compensate for structural weaknesses. His system demands that every player contributes to both phases of play — attack and defense — which creates a natural tension with Ronaldo’s preferred role.

Martínez has handled the Ronaldo situation with considerable diplomatic skill. Rather than publicly declaring one striker over the other, he has rotated based on the opposition, the tournament stage, and the physical demands of the schedule. Against Croatia, he judged that a high-pressing approach would be more effective than the direct, Ronaldo-centric game plan. The 2-1 result validated that decision comprehensively.

How the System Changed Without Ronaldo

Without Ronaldo in the starting lineup against Croatia, Martínez made several tactical adjustments that altered the shape and rhythm of the team. The attacking movement became more fluid, with the wingers cutting inside more frequently and the full-backs pushing higher to provide width. Portugal’s expected goals (xG) in the first half was notably higher than their tournament average, reflecting the increased number of high-quality chances created through combination play rather than individual brilliance.

The absence of Ronaldo also changed how Portugal approached set pieces. Without the greatest header of a ball in modern football attacking crosses, Portugal relied on short corner routines and near-post flick-ons that created chaos in the Croatian box. The second goal came from exactly this kind of set-piece variation — a testament to the coaching staff’s preparation and adaptability.

Portugal’s 2026 World Cup Campaign So Far

The victory over Croatia was Portugal’s most significant result in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it was part of a broader campaign that has shown both strength and inconsistency. Portugal advanced from the group stage with two wins and a draw, conceding just one goal in three matches. Their defensive record has been one of the best in the tournament, with Rúben Dias and the goalkeeper combination providing a solid foundation.

In the knockout round against Croatia, Portugal faced their toughest test yet. Croatia, a 2018 World Cup finalist, brought experience, technical quality, and a midfield that can control games against any opponent. Portugal’s ability to match them in every department — and ultimately prevail — was a significant statement of intent for the remainder of the tournament.

What This Means for Portugal’s Quarterfinal

Portugal will face Switzerland in the quarterfinal on July 7, 2026, according to the official FIFA World Cup schedule. The Swiss present a different challenge to Croatia — a more defensive, disciplined side that will look to frustrate Portugal and hit on the counter-attack. This type of opponent may require a different tactical approach, which could influence Martínez’s selection decisions regarding the Ronaldo-Ramos debate.

If Martínez opts for a more possession-dominant approach against Switzerland, Ramos’s pressing and movement could once again be the preferred option. However, if Switzerland sit deep and deny Portugal space, Ronaldo’s ability to convert crosses and set pieces into goals could prove decisive. The manager’s ability to adapt his selection to each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses will be critical to Portugal’s chances of winning the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Cristiano Ronaldo play against Croatia in the 2026 World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo was available for selection but was not in the starting lineup for Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 16 on July 3, 2026. Coach Roberto Martínez chose Gonçalo Ramos as the starting striker, and the decision paid off with a convincing team performance and win.

Who scored for Portugal against Croatia?

Portugal scored two goals in their 2-1 win over Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The goals came from a combination of Portugal’s fluid attacking play, with contributions from multiple players in the build-up. Croatia managed one goal but could not overcome Portugal’s defensive organization.

Will Ramos replace Ronaldo permanently for Portugal?

The debate over whether Gonçalo Ramos should permanently replace Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal’s starting striker remains open. Martínez has rotated both players throughout the 2026 World Cup, selecting based on tactical needs and opponent analysis. The Croatia victory strengthened the case for Ramos, but Ronaldo’s experience and goal-scoring ability keep him in contention for every match.

How has Portugal performed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Portugal advanced through the group stage with two wins and one draw, conceding only one goal. They defeated Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 16 and will face Switzerland in the quarterfinal on July 7, 2026. Their defensive solidity and midfield control have been standout features of their tournament performance so far.

What formation does Portugal use without Ronaldo?

Without Ronaldo in the lineup, Portugal typically operates in a fluid 4-3-3 formation under Roberto Martínez. The system emphasizes high pressing, positional interchange among the front three, and control of possession through the midfield trio. This setup allows the wingers to cut inside and the full-backs to push forward, creating numerical advantages in wide areas and the final third.

Is this the best Portugal team in history?

Portugal’s current squad is among the deepest and most talented in the nation’s history, with world-class players at nearly every position. The combination of experienced leaders like Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Dias alongside emerging talents like Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos gives the team a balance of youth and experience. Whether this squad surpasses the Euro 2016-winning team will depend on how far they progress in the 2026 World Cup.

Conclusion

Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia on July 3, 2026, was more than just a World Cup win — it was a statement about the direction of the national team. Without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup, Portugal demonstrated that their tactical system, midfield quality, and attacking depth are strong enough to compete with anyone. Gonçalo Ramos proved he can lead the line at the highest level, while the collective performance showed a team that has evolved beyond dependence on a single superstar.

The Ronaldo replacement debate will continue as Portugal advance to face Switzerland in the quarterfinal, but the Croatia match provided compelling evidence that this Portuguese squad is built for the future. Whether Martínez continues with Ramos, reintegrates Ronaldo, or continues to rotate based on the opponent, one thing is clear: Portugal in 2026 have the talent, the system, and the mentality to win the World Cup with or without their greatest-ever player.

The Bottom Line

Portugal’s win over Croatia without Cristiano Ronaldo proved that the team’s strength lies in its collective system rather than any individual. Gonçalo Ramos delivered a complete performance as the starting striker, the midfield dominated possession, and Roberto Martínez’s tactical plan was executed precisely. As Portugal prepare for the quarterfinal against Switzerland, the question is no longer whether they can win without Ronaldo — they already have. The question now is whether this balanced, well-organized team can go all the way and lift the trophy.