Zidane defends Martinez: 'Subbing Ronaldo was the right call'

Zinedine Zidane on Roberto Martínez substituting Cristiano Ronaldo against Croatia:

“I think Roberto Martínez made the right decision. This is the World Cup. There are no second legs, no tomorrow, and no time to wait for miracles. If Plan A isn’t working, you must have the courage to trust Plan B. The biggest mistake a coach can make is waiting too long, then spending the journey home wondering, ‘What if I had changed it earlier?’

Cristiano Ronaldo understands football better than most people. He knew it wasn’t about disrespect or losing faith in him. It was about timing and giving Portugal a different solution. Great players don’t always like being substituted, but the greatest ones understand why.

Portugal got the result, and that’s what champions do. They find a way even when they’re not at their best. But this performance should also be a warning. If the midfield doesn’t start controlling games and creating more chances, tougher opponents will punish them.”