When Roberto Martínez was appointed Portugal’s head coach in January 2023, he inherited a squad filled with exceptional talent. Using the 1xBet Sri Lanka app is the best way to place wagers on the Portuguese national side.
However, the team also carried the pressure of a disappointing 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. The Spaniard replaced Fernando Santos, who had guided Portugal to major international success, including the UEFA Euro 2016 title and the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League crown. Martínez arrived after 6 years in charge of Belgium, where he reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals but left following a group-stage elimination in Qatar. If you want to bet on the Belgian national side, using the app from 1xBet Sri Lanka is definitely a great option.
His early months in Portugal were highly promising. Martínez immediately brought a more attacking approach and gave the team greater freedom with the ball. Under his management, Portugal produced a perfect Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, winning all 10 matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding only 2. It was a remarkable start that suggested Martínez could unlock the potential of a generation featuring players such:
Bruno Fernandes;
Bernardo Silva;
Rafael Leão;
and João Cancelo.
The 2024 European Championship, however, exposed some limitations. Portugal reached the quarter-finals but struggled to turn possession and attacking quality into goals during the knockout stage. After failing to score against France, they were eliminated on penalties. Critics questioned Martínez’s tactical decisions, particularly his squad selections and his continued reliance on veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who remained a central figure in the team’s attacking structure.
Exit after the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Despite those concerns, Martínez has also delivered a major achievement. Portugal won the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, defeating Spain on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final. The triumph made Portugal the first nation to win the competition twice and provided Martínez with his first international trophy as a head coach. However, Portugal showed some doubts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they got 2 draws in the group stage and were eventually eliminated by Spain in the Round of 16.
Tactically, Martínez has attempted to modernise Portugal’s style. His teams often switch between a back 4 and a back 3, prioritising technical quality, possession and flexibility in build-up play. He has sought to combine experienced leaders with emerging talents, creating more competition within the squad.