PSG imprint on Portugal's Nations League triumph over holders Spain

It was in the media room of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in December 2022 that Roberto Martinez said his time with Belgium was over.

- Dhiman Sarkar [e-mail]

One month later, he was named Portugal coach which meant moving from one team whose performance had not matched potential to another.

After Sunday's Nations League title that may be changing.

Portugal did not have outspoken players such as Kevin de Bruyne but they did have a Cristiano Ronaldo-sized problem when Martinez took charge. Martinez's predecessor Fernando Santos, in whose eight-year reign Portugal had won the 2016 Euro and the 2018-19 Nations League, did not start Ronaldo in the knockout rounds of the Qatar World Cup. It led to Goncalo Ramos scoring a hattrick against Switzerland. But Morocco beat them and Ronaldo exited in tears.

In Munich on Sunday, Ronaldo was in tears again, this time in joy after Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties after open play had ended at 2-2. At 40 years and four months, he had scored to make it 2-2 in the 61st minute. It was his 138th goal in 221st international and he had lasted nearly all of the regulation 90 minutes before Ramos replaced him. The roles have been reversed. Martinez had ensured that by announcing on joining that Ronaldo would be part of his plans. It is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Ronaldo had no shot on target till he scored and looked a step slower than the rest on the pitch.