Martinez exits as Jesus waits in the wings

Martinez out, Jesus lined up

Roberto Martinez confirmed it. "It was my last game with the Portuguese national team," he said after Portugal 0–1 Spain at the World Cup last 16 (1). Jorge Jesus is the name being tipped as his successor. The former Benfica and Flamengo coach is the early frontrunner for the post (1).

Portugal 0–1 Spain, a late blow, and it is over

Mikel Merino scored the goal that knocked you out. Portugal 0–1 Spain in Dallas on Monday, and the World Cup campaign ends in the last 16 (2). Bruno Fernandes did not hide the frustration: "There's no point in talking about it now because we're out of the World Cup, but it was a missed opportunity" (2). The team lacked spark in attack all night.

Ronaldo's final World Cup, and a new path ahead

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed it was his last World Cup. The 39-year-old was in tears on the big screen after the Spain defeat, with applause and whistles from the stands. Jeff Stelling has already tipped him for a new role, though details remain unclear (3).

Fan-reaktioner

The Real Madrid subreddit is in a reflective mood. One fan put it plainly: "He may have been born in Portugal, but Real Madrid is his home, and it always will be. May history be kinder to you, Cristiano." Read the full thread. The tone is gratitude, not anger, a career being processed, not just a defeat.