Martinez explains Ronaldo’s early Substitution in Poland’s win

Following Portugal’s victory, Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off in the 63rd minute against Poland, but Roberto Martinez assured he would play a part against Scotland.

The Portugal boss took Cristiano Ronaldo off just after the hour mark against Poland but assured he was only managing the 39-year-old’s minutes.

Ronaldo was on target for Portugal in that fixture, which ended with a 3-1 win over Poland, doubling his side’s tally after Bernardo Silva’s opener.

Piotr Zielinski provided the Selecao with a late scare, but Jan Bednarek’s own goal ensured Portugal kept their 100% record, and they are the only team to win all three games so far in League A.

The Portugal captain was replaced by Diogo Jota, who had a hand in their third goal, in the 63rd minute, having had three shots and accumulating 1.43 expected goals (xG).

Martinez insisted Ronaldo would have a part to play against Scotland, and he praised the team’s resilience in getting the win over the line.

“It’s part of managing players when you have two games in 72 hours. Diogo Jota came on very well. Cristiano is perfect,” Martinez said.

“The first half was very good. We controlled the game, created opportunities, had very good synchronization as a team, defended Poland’s strengths very well, and scored great goals.

“I’m happy with the new players who came in, it seems they have several international caps.

Martinez revealed the challenge ahead, which involved two away games, as he hoped his side would recover well.

Martinez was also impressed by debutant Renato Veiga, who started alongside Ruben Dias at centre-back.

The Chelsea defender made seven clearances, the most of any player on the team, and helped limit Robert Lewandowski to just two shots, neither of which were on target.

Portugal has made a brilliant start to the latest Nations League campaign and is so far the only team in League A with a 100% record after three games.

Ronaldo has now scored in all three of their matches so far, getting his goal in this game with his only shot on target (three shots overall), as he generated 1.43 expected goals (xG).