Tomás da Cunha slams Martínez over Sporting starter: counts for little | OneFootball

The draw between Portugal and Colombia (0-0) at the 2026 World Cup once again sparked criticism of Roberto Martínez’s choices, with particular focus on the decision not to use Francisco Trincão. The winger - who could leave Sporting - was not an option.

In his analysis of the match, Tomás da Cunha regretted that the Lions player was not given a chance: “Colombia play football and Miami didn’t help. Fair enough. Less acceptable is the lack of strategic intelligence (forwards unable to give the team time), which constantly broke up the game,” he began.

The analyst also highlighted the lack of flexibility in Portugal’s attack, criticizing the use of some players: “There was a need for more flexibility to change the team’s characteristics (Gonçalo Ramos and Trincão count for little). At the very least individually, João Neves would offer a different ability in pressing and in duels. There would also be Samu Costa as a similar alternative off the ball,” he wrote on social media platform 'X'.

Tomás da Cunha also pointed to issues on the right flank and in the team’s attacking structure. “Above all, attacks need to last longer, and that also calls for a different winger on the right side. The restrained positioning of the full-backs takes away attacking options. Neto plays wide but only looks to cross (it was urgent to slow the game down)”.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.